The Ontario government has passed emergency legislation aimed at protecting workers who are forced to stay home due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Northern Development Minister Greg Rickford says the last thing employees should have to worry about is job security.
The province is providing job-protected leave for those impacted by the coronavirus.
Rickford says “It includes every employee. Those under investigation, supervision or treatment for COVID-19. It includes workers in isolation or quarantine. Workers who need to provide care to a person, including for a school or daycare closure.”
The new measures are retroactive to January 25th, 2020, the date of the first presumptive COVID-19 confirmed case in Ontario.
Rickford says they will remain in place until the virus is defeated.
The Kenora-Rainy River MPP says the legislation also protects those who are living in their apartments.
A moratorium on evictions is now in place for those who are renting.
Rickford says this applies to anyone under self-isolation, quarantine, caring for a loved one or as a result they have to work from home or lost their job.
The new provincial rules for COVID-19 also support municipalities.
Council, local boards and committees will now be able to meet through teleconference when faced with local or province-wide emergencies.
Rickford says the move will allow community leaders to make lawful and swift decisions during difficult times.
To hear more about the Employment Standards Amendment Act and other measures being taken by the Ford government, visit the Audio link below.
Today, our government took unprecedented action to respond to COVID-19. We must look after one another in this time of emergency, and we’re making sure no one loses their job as a result. https://t.co/xEajucxBUP
— Greg Rickford (@GregRickford) March 19, 2020
