The Province Introduces COVID-19 Economic Recovery Act

Wednesday, 8 July 2020 15:33

Among the things the Recovery Act would do, if passed, would help restart jobs and development, build key investment projects faster and making sure cities have the right tools to provide daily critical services people rely on.

ONTARIO - The Province introduced the COVID-19 Economic Recovery Act today.

The proposed legislation lays out the foundation to restart jobs and development, strengthen communities, and create opportunity for people in every region of the province.

Premier Doug Ford provided details of the legislation today.

"The COVID-19 pandemic has touched all Ontarians and created significant hardship for individuals, families and businesses," said Premier Ford. "People are relying on our government to help rebuild the province and get people back to work and that's exactly what we're doing, starting with this new legislation."

Premier Ford was also joined by Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing, Steve Clark, Associate Minister of Small Business and Red Tape Reduction, Prabmeet Sarkaria, Deputy Premier and Minister of Health, Christine Elliott and Minister of Finance Rod Phillips.

If passed, the COVID-19 Economic Recovery Act will:

- Restart jobs and development to get Ontario going again by getting key infrastructure projects built faster, attracting more jobs and investment, and cutting red tape to help businesses adapt to the new environment.

- Strengthen communities by ensuring municipalities are equipped with the tools they need to continue to provide the critical services people rely on every day, including allowing municipalities and their local boards to continue to choose to hold meetings electronically at any time and putting in place a new community benefits charge to help municipalities pay for the infrastructure and services needed for growing communities.

- Create opportunity for people as they recover their lives and livelihoods by protecting consumers, modernizing services, improving the education system and removing the social and economic barriers that stand in the way of success for young people.

Minister Clark says they're collaborating with their municipal partners.

"We are working hand in hand with our municipal partners so they can emerge stronger and better able to meet the needs of local residents. Ontario will continue to be a champion for communities and work closely with the federal government to help every community chart a path to a strong economic recovery."

Minister Sarkaria says a modern Ontario will benefit workers and companies.

"Making Ontario a modern regulator — one that communicates clearly and operates effectively — will free up our people and businesses to focus on what's important: recovering and re-emerging stronger than before. By improving digital access to government and incorporating best practices, we're empowering businesses to rebuild, rehire, and return to a period where their success fuels our economic growth. A modern Ontario is better for people and smarter for business."

The government is committed to working in partnership with people, businesses and municipalities to answer the challenges they face and support the long-term health and prosperity of Ontario's economy.