Type of Intervention: Financial and Economic, Regulation
Sectors Involved: Education, Finance/Economy, Health, Local Government, Private Sector and Businesses
Intervention Categories: Planning and strategy; Creation of or release of plans; Finance policy and financial aid; Stimulus packages and financial support; Financial aid to health services
Level of Jurisdiction: Ontario
Lead People/Agency: Premier Doug Ford, Deputy Premier and Minister of Health Christine Elliot, Chief Medical Officer of Health Dr. David Williams, Minister of Long-Term Care Dr. Merrilee Fullerton, Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade Vic Fedeli
Overview: The Ontario government has provided updates to the province’s Action Plan: Responding to COVID-19, which was initially announced on March 25, 2020. The government has made further investments in the fight against COVID-19, including providing more support for Ontarians, jobs, safe reopening, and prevention and control responses for a potential second wave. Investments in the action plan have now topped $30 billion. The main priorities of the Action Plan include supporting health care and supporting people and jobs. Health care has been supported through several multi-million dollar healthcare-related investments, including purchase and supply of PPE and other critical supplies, creating innovative solutions for local manufacturers to support the COVID-19 response, providing mental health services and providing virtual care platforms. In regards to supporting people and jobs, the government has committed resources to support Ontarians through the pandemic and long-term, with investments in municipalities to repair and build infrastructure, to support temporary wage increases for eligible workers, urgent relief for small-business owners, etc.
Full details here: https://news.ontario.ca/en/backgrounder/57967/ontario-provides-update-to-ontarios-action-plan-responding-to-covid-19
Other links: 1 2 3 4 5
Type of Justification: Advice of INTERNAL government advisory committee or group
Evidence/Justification: The Ontario government explains that further investments into these key needs will provide greater support for Ontarians, helping to ensure their safety and wellbeing. It is explained that continued partnering with multiple levels of government and private-sector businesses will support Ontario’s economic recovery and help restore long-term prosperity. Further, the results from greater investments into the provincial COVID-19 response will benefit “every” family, worker, and community in the province. No concrete evidence is provided.