Ontario COVID News Digest – September 9
September 9, 2020Cornwall Ontario – With ongoing developments in the fight to deal with the COVID-19 pandemic, we are providing you with this digest off selected recent news items from the Ontario Government.
The following stories come from the Ontario newsroom, with links provided to the full articles:
Ontario-Québec Summit Strengthens Ties between the Two Provinces
Ontario and Quebec have agreed to collaborate on accelerating economic recovery and job creation, working towards increasing health care funding sustainability and preparedness, and advancing other areas of mutual benefit for the people of Ontario and Québec.
Ontario Takes Extraordinary Steps to Reopen Schools Safely
The Ontario government is providing up to $1.3 billion in critical supports and has delivered more than 37 million pieces of personal protective equipment (PPE) to safely reopen classrooms across the province. These investments are part of Ontario’s comprehensive back to school plan which was developed in consultation with medical experts, school boards, and educators.
Ontario Reopens Apprenticeship and Trade-Related Exam Centres
The Ontario government has gradually reopened all 24 provincial centres for apprenticeship and trade-related certifications, based on the advice of the Chief Medical Officer and provincial health authorities. Apprentices and skilled tradespeople can now book their final exams at their local apprenticeship office.
Third Straight Month of Employment Growth Marks Ontario’s Ongoing Economic Recovery
Statistics Canada has released its monthly employment numbers which show an increase in Ontario of 141,800 jobs in August. This marks the third straight month of employment increases, a notable milestone as the province implements its made-in-Ontario plan for growth, renewal and economic recovery.
Ontario Extends Support for Employers and Employees Impacted by COVID-19
The Ontario government is helping protect jobs and businesses by extending protection to prevent temporary layoffs from automatically becoming permanent job losses. Although Ontario is now in Phase 3 of reopening, this extension will give businesses more time to reopen and return to full operations. This extension will last until January 2, 2021.
Governments Extend Child Care Funding to Support Working Parents
Canada and Ontario have announced an additional investment through the one-year Canada-Ontario Early Learning and Child Care Agreement (ELCC) of nearly $147 million to Ontario for 2020-21. This funding will help licensed child care providers and EarlyON child and family centres.
Ontario Providing In-Demand Skills Training to Over 15,000 People
The Ontario government is providing $37 million to help more than 15,000 people train for new jobs and upgrade their skills to enable them to contribute to the province’s economic recovery. The funding will support 86 projects and provide training in high-demand skills like information technology, advanced manufacturing, truck driving, construction, and horticulture. The programs include internships and other hands-on learning experiences, and in most cases, the training is provided at no charge.
Ontario Expands Driver Testing Services Provincewide
The Ontario government is expanding driver testing services across the province with strict protocols to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Beginning Tuesday, September 8, Ontarians will be able to book class G road tests and access all classes of driver testing services at DriveTest centres across Ontario.
Business Reopening Toolkit
Cornwall Economic Development has put together a toolkit to help businesses reopen. The toolkit includes guidelines and a maximum occupancy calculator along with signs and posters that can be downloaded and printed:
We summarize the latest news about the impacts of COVID-19 on Cornwall businesses on a daily basis. Click on the following link to view: