January 14, 2021
Sent via email
Premier of OntarioLegislative BuildingQueen's ParkToronto ON M7A 1A1
Dear Premier Ford,
Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, the evidence has become clear: paid sick leave is essential to protecting our province from the catastrophic impacts of unchecked virus transmission, and its toll on marginalized populations.
We are a coalition of healthcare and social service providers writing to express our urgent appeal for the immediate implementation of paid sick days for Ontario workers, including temporary and precariously employed workers, as a central measure to improve population health and stop the spread of COVID-19. Our request is in addition to the benefit provided by the federal government through The Canada Recovery Sickness Benefit.
We request that the Government of Ontario require all employers to provide a minimum of five annual paid sick days, and that the 2021 provincial budget fund and support employers to increase this to ten annual sick days during a declared infectious disease emergency like COVID-19.
This week’s modelling shows the situation is dire and requires a swift and immediate response to prevent our health systems from becoming further overwhelmed. Employers, workers, and their communities cannot wait any longer. Due to the urgency of this matter, we are requesting your immediate response.
Signed,
Allan O’DetteChief Executive OfficerOntario Medical Association
Sarah HobbsChief Executive OfficerAlliance for Healthier Communities
Dr. Doris Grinspun, RN, MSN, PhD, LLD(hon), Dr(hc), FAAN, FCAN, O.ONTChief Executive Officer Registered Nurses' Association of Ontario (RNAO)
Kavita MehtaChief Executive OfficerAssociation of Family Health Teams of Ontario
Leanne ClarkeChief Executive OfficerOntario College of Family Physicians
Dana Cooper MBA, CAEChief Executive OfficerNurse Practitioners’ Association of Ontario
Jennifer ClementPast ChairNurse Practitioner Led Clinics Association
Deborah SimonChief Executive OfficerOntario Community Support Association
Caroline Lidstone-JonesChief Executive OfficerIndigenous Primary Health Care Council
Cc:Hon. Christine Elliott, Minister of HealthHon. Monte McNaughton, Minister of LabourDr. David Williams, Ontario Chief Medical Officer of Health