Ontario Liberals Call for Universal Masking in Schools and on Public Transportation
November 14, 2022
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 14, 2022
QUEEN’S PARK – Ontario Liberals are calling on Doug Ford to address the crisis in our hospitals and pediatric ICUs by requiring universal masking in schools and on public transportation.
“Ontario’s doctors and nurses have been warning us of where the healthcare system was headed for months,” said John Fraser, MPP for Ottawa South and Interim Leader of the Ontario Liberal Party. “Once again, this government is slow to act, recognizing there is a problem only once it has become a crisis.”
“A week ago, this government was advocating for children to be in class, but now they won't advocate for our children to be safe in those classrooms,” added MPP Fraser. “This government's indifference to what's happening to our children is inexplicable. We need to take action now, not three weeks from now.”
In addition to requiring universal masking in schools and on public transportation, Ontario Liberals are also urging the Ford government to adopt the following measures to alleviate the strain on our healthcare system:
- Introduce a robust public health campaign that promotes vaccination and updates the public on the state of our healthcare system.
- Provide 10 paid sick days for all Ontarians.
- Increase resources for primary care, community agencies and long-term care facilities.
- Prioritize the recruitment and retention of healthcare workers by repealing Bill 124 and increasing mental health supports.
“We are not going to wish our way out of this crisis,” said Dr. Adil Shamji, MPP for Don Valley East and Ontario Liberal Health critic. “The health of our children is in peril and the time for decisive action is now, before it is too late.”
Carter Brownlee
Press Secretary, Ontario Liberal Party