We are now into the second week of the four-week province-wide stay-at-home order.
Kenora-Rainy River MPP Greg Rickford is asking for patience and understanding. He feels 40% of the population will be vaccinated by the end of the shutdown.
“If that’s the case, then we, and I’ve heard this from the Chief Medical Officer, would not be looking at any more consequential shutdowns or lockdowns or what have you moving forward,” says Rickford.
Rickford says he knows it’s frustrating given the low COVID numbers in the north. He says the strict public health measure is something that needs to be done, given variant and hospital capacity concerns.
Small businesses are once again dealing with curbside pick-up and innovative ways to stay afloat due to the order.
Rickford says the government has taken real action to support them throughout the pandemic.
“I think we are doing everything possible for them. What our hope is and what we’re in hot pursuit of is vaccinating our population. We want to get back into those small stores. It’s what characterizes our love for small towns and cities in northern Ontario,” says Rickford.
Rickford notes the Northern Ontario Recovery program spent more than $26 million to support small businesses and tourism outfitters. The government has also provided hydro, rent, employee subsidy and other relief.
The provincial government also has no plans to bring back the energy rebate program that residents enjoyed during previous stay-at-home orders.
Rickford, who is also the Energy Minister, says the program has matured.“With the innovation, we introduced that people had an option between the tiered rates and the off-time model. We think that people have a choice that will be just about as competitive as a flat rate relief program.”
Rickford notes this order is different than previous ones as more people are going to work and kids are back in school.
