COVID-19 Update for May 9, 2020 – 2:00pm
Ontario Opening Provincial Parks and Conservation Reserves
Just in time for the May long weekend, Premier Doug Ford announced that the government is opening provincial parks and conservation reserves for limited day-use. The first batch of parks will re-open on Monday, with the remaining 115 parks re-opening on Friday, May 15.
For the time being, recreational activities will be limited to walking, hiking, biking and birdwatching. Day visitors will also be able to access all parks and conservation reserves for free until the end of the month. Park goers can visit www.ontarioparks.com/park-locator to check the status of their local provincial park. The complete news release can be found here.
School Board Employees to be Redeployed to Congregate Care Settings
The Ontario government has also approved an emergency order that would enable available school board employees to be voluntarily redeployed to congregate care settings during the COVID-19 pandemic, including hospitals, long-term care homes, retirement homes, and women’s shelters. You can read more about this order here.
Ontario Government Supporting Parents as Economy Re-Opens
The Ontario Government also unveiled a plan that, together with federal and municipal partnership, provides supports to licensed child-care providers to ensure they remain sustainable and ready to open when parents return to work. You can read more about the plan here.
Finally, Premier Ford also thanked all mothers across the province and asked Ontarians to come together, safely, to make this the best Mother’s Day ever.
Saturday Update from Ottawa
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s Saturday morning remarks recapped his government’s announcements throughout the past week, touching on the pay top-up for essential workers and financial support for food processors and agriculture. Trudeau also reviewed the Canada Emergency Business Account and the Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy as well as the global initiatives Canada which is supporting to find a vaccine.
Speaking directly to the nation’s children, the Prime Minister closed his remarks with a special address for Mother’s Day: “Tomorrow is Mother’s Day,” he said. “It’s a special day for all people who are mothers to us. Let us show all mothers how much we love and care about them.”
We hope you are finding these COVID-19 updates useful. In addition to trying to keep on top of the fast-changing situation, Enterprise is also working to support local charities during these challenging times. If you are able, your contributions to this effort would be deeply appreciated.
To donate, please click on the organization below:
- Toronto – Food Banks Canada
- Thunder Bay – Food Banks North West
- Hamilton/Niagara – Hamilton Food Share
- Alberta – Hope Mission
Many thanks.
Stay safe. Stay healthy.
The Enterprise Team