MPPs call on Provincial government to help essential workers in Brampton survive the pandemic

Two local MPPs are calling on the Provincial government to make specific provisions for Brampton to help battle COVID-19.

Speaking in the legislature today, Kevin Yarde of Brampton North and Sara Sing of Brampton Centre, both of the NDP, related that special circumstances has led to the high number of cases in Brampton. They believe the numbers can be curbed if Doug Ford’s government takes the necessary steps.

Yarde said Brampton needs an isolation centre so that people can isolate safely and that health benefits are needed for those workers who show symptoms so they can stay at home instead of going to work if they are sick.

“It’s not necessarily additional restrictions that we need,” said Yarde. “We need support and resources where COVID is spreading. In Brampton our number one source of spread is in the industrial settings amongst industrial workers.”

Singh pointed out that Brampton is the hub of large food processing plants and transportation logistics centres and that all of the workers at these locations are considered essential to provide the public with goods across Ontario as the pandemic continues.

Conservative MPP and Parliamentary Assistant Jane McKenna answered the calls saying the government has passed legislation that provides for up to 10 paid sick days for workers. She added the federal government is also expected to make an announcement on paid sick days.