Ontario releases plan to stay open amid COVID-19 pandemic

The Ontario government has released their plan to keep the province open amid the COVID-19 pandemic that includes initiatives to prevent future lockdowns and respond to any new health care crises.

The plan comes as early indicators, like wastewater reports, are signaling another wave of COVID-19 in Ontario and mask mandates have been lifted in indoor settings across the province.

Health Minister Christine Elliott announced the legislation Tuesday morning, which includes annual reporting of personal protective equipment to ensure there is a robust supply.

It will also requires the province to have an emergency plan in place that must be reviewed and updated every five years.

“The COVID-19 pandemic revealed that historically, Ontario had not done enough to protect and prepare the province for a crisis,” read the release from the province.

“Looking back the most important lesson we have learned is that we cannot allow ourselves to be unprepared again,” said Elliott. “We need to build a stronger more resilient health care system that Ontarians can rely on now and in the future.”

The plan outlines how Ontario will recruit and retain health care workers. An $81 million grant will go towards up to 1,500 nurse graduates to receive tuition funding should they work in an underserved community.

“Our plan to stay open is how the people will hold us accountable. It is how we will support our health care heroes and it is how we will give Ontarian’s the confidence and security f knowing that when a future pandemic emerges Ontario will be prepared,” said President of the Treasury Board Prabmeet Singh Sarkaria.

Starting in the Spring of 2023, up to 2,500 students each year will be able to receive upfront funding if they commit to staying in the underserved community for up to two years after graduating.

The previously-announced personal support worker (PSW) wage increase was also included in the legislation. During the pandemic, PSWs received a $2 to $3 increase. It was made permanent by the government earlier this month.

If the legislation is passed, it will also include amendments to the Regulated Health Professions Act that reduces barriers for those looking to be registered within health regulatory colleges. It prohibits them from requiring Canadian work experience as a qualification for registration.

“We have made so much progress in the fight against COVID-19 and we have learned so much but the job is not done. That is why we are building on our progress today to ensure that the province will be transparent and accountable for whatever arises tomorrow,” added Sarkaria.