[tiffer24]

BREAKING: Doug Ford rolls back his punitive 2018 policy that removed paid sick days, allowed employers to require doctor's notes (fiercely opposed by MDs as it spreads infection).

https://www.thestar.com/politics/po...ty-about-epidemics-did-we-learn-anything.html

 

[W. K. Lis]

Doug Ford says Ontario will ease sick-leave requirements in face of COVID-19 outbreak

From link.

The Ontario government says it’s introducing new protections for Ontario workers who are required to take unpaid leave during self-isolation or quarantine periods — including removing a requirement to obtain doctors’ notes.

In a statement issued Sunday, Premier Doug Ford said he had directed government to draft legislation responding the COVID-19 outbreak that will include measures to ensure employers provide “protected leave.”

“Our government is protecting workers so they can focus on their own health, and the health of their families and communities, without fear of losing their jobs,” the premier said.

It is unclear when the new provisions will become a reality. The provincial legislature is not currently sitting and proceedings may not resume until March 23 at the earliest. Ontario had reported 142 cases of the virus as of Sunday morning.

Due to concerns over the spread of COVID-19, MPPs unanimously voted this week to give government the ability to suspend the legislature as a health protection measure, if necessary.

In response to questions from the Star, the premier’s spokesperson Ivana Yelich said government would “pass the legislation as expeditiously as possible.”

Opposition leader Andrea Horwath said the New Democrats “will be co-operating to draft and pass a bill to help people in Ontario weather the storm.

“I’m pleased that the government is now drafting emergency legislation to help Ontarians cope with the COVID-19 pandemic,” she said.

The new measures will apply both to employees who are in self-isolation or quarantine, or those who are providing care to others.

Yelich did not say whether the legislation would include any provisions for paid leave.

Alberta’s provincial government announced new measures this week to provide workers with 14 job-protected sick days, and waive the requirement to provide doctors’ notes. In the United States, Congress passed an emergency coronavirus bill Friday that includes a provision for two weeks of paid sick leave for some workers impacted by COVID-19.

“Additional details of our government’s ongoing efforts to support Ontario families during the difficult period ahead will be announced in the coming days,” the premier’s statement said.

“We look forward to working with the federal government on further measures to enhance financial support for businesses and workers.”

 

[John_Dee]

And so Thug backtracks yet again. Funny how stark reality keeps butting into his agenda, isn't it? And note how nobody in the media or his fanbase seems to mind overly much...

 

[APTA-2048]

And so Thug backtracks yet again. Funny how stark reality keeps butting into his agenda, isn't it? And note how nobody in the media or his fanbase seems to mind overly much...

This needs to be drilled into the party and even the average person. We’re precisely in a position where reasonable sick leave and compensation policies are important. This shouldn’t be a one-off situation.

 

[PinkLucy]

Of course his fanbase doesn't mind, many of them are benefitting from it (as they should)

 

[AlvinofDiaspar]

This needs to be drilled into the party and even the average person. We’re precisely in a position where reasonable sick leave and compensation policies are important. This shouldn’t be a one-off situation.

Just imagine what would have happened if the public health cuts and unit mergers he proposed had went through...we’d have institutIonal chaos and reduced resources at the worst time.

AoD

 

[Videodrome]

Is it just me,, or is Doug Ford acting like an actual Premier now?

 

[Jonny5]

Is it just me,, or is Doug Ford acting like an actual Premier now?

He is. It's amazing. The questions from reporters at that press conference were pathetic, but that's all that's left of the hollowed out media in Ontario.

 

[Hopkins123]

Is it just me,, or is Doug Ford acting like an actual Premier now?

Everyone has the potential to rise to the occasion; adapt, change and grow. That's why people, including Doug Ford, ought not to be judged in terms of absolutes but rather by shades of grey.

 

[PinkLucy]

The rest of the team looked like deer in the headlights.

 

[DSC]

The rest of the team looked like deer in the headlights.

Yes, a bit like the crowd who are always in the background for Trump press conferences these days. (Though, of course, they should all be staying at least 6 feet apart!)

 

[zang]

At one point in time, people considered lead Ford-trumpeteer Neil Flagg seriously. He was interviewed by media and positioned himself as some sort of legitimate conservative pundit.

I took a look at his FB today. It would appear he abandoned Ford a while back because he dared be at the unveiling of Kathleen Wynne's official portrait. This man was once given a (brief) blogging stint at The Rebel.

He also wholeheartedly believes this pandemic is a hoax.

 

[tiffer24]

We needed a pandemic to get a good Premier?

 

[Thinker]

We needed a pandemic to get a good Premier?

Naw.... he is scared things are derailing and has decided to accept the advice of those who are educated and know better. It must be painful for this bully not to be incharge and pretend he knows better. His back is against the wall, he has no choice.

 

[zang]

Funny how conservatives worldwide eschew science until their careers depend on it.