Type of Intervention: Regulation, Specific Action
Sectors Involved: Education, Health, Social Services
Intervention Categories: Legal and policy; Regulatory change
Level of Jurisdiction: Ontario
Lead People/Agency: Decision Makers: Premier (Doug Ford), Minister of Education (Stephen Lecce), and Deputy Premier and Minister of Health (Christine Elliott)
Implementers: Ontario Ministry of Education is working with Consolidated Municipal Service Managers (CMSM) and District Social Services Administration Boards (DSSAB) in their role as service system managers for early years and child care
Overview: The Ontario government is further expanding those essential workers eligible to receive free emergency child care during the COVID-19 pandemic. This includes those working in the food supply chain, retirement homes, grocery stores, pharmacies, and certain federal employees, including the military. This aims to offer more support for those working in essential services to reduce their worry and burden.
Full details here: https://news.ontario.ca/opo/en/2020/04/more-frontline-workers-eligible-for-emergency-child-care.html
Type of Justification: Public Opinion (e.g. consultations, opinion polling), Providing support
Evidence/Justification: The justification given for this expansion of eligible workers is to offer support and care for those providing essential services. The Premier explained that offering this free child care will mitigate worry for those saving lives, protecting Ontarians, and providing key goods and services.