Markham-Stouffville Community Update for March 18, 2022

Markham-Stouffville Community Update for March 18, 2022

Statement from Ontario’s Chief Medical Officer of Health
With the peak of Omicron behind us, Ontario has been able to cautiously and gradually move through its reopening milestones. As we continue on this path, the government is able to take a more balanced and long-term approach to Ontario’s pandemic response.

With continued improvement in trends, Ontario will remove the mandatory masking requirement for most settings on March 21, with the exception of select settings such as public transit, health care settings, long-term care homes and congregate care settings.

As a society, we must remain kind, considerate and respectful toward those who continue wearing a mask.

Thanks to Ontario’s high vaccination rates and natural immunity, as well as the arrival of antivirals, Ontario has the tools necessary to manage the impact of the virus. Vaccination is the best protection against COVID-19 and the best protection for the progress we have made.

Learn more: Statement from Ontario’s Chief Medical Officer of Health | Ontario Newsroom

 Four Hours of Care 
As part of its plan to fix long-term care, the Ontario government will provide up to $673 million this year to long-term care homes across the province to increase staffing levels, leading to more direct care for residents. This includes $6,357,888 for long-term care homes in Markham-Stouffville. This is part of the province’s commitment to ensure long-term care residents receive—on average—four hours of direct care per day by 2024-25.

These funds will increase care for residents at:

  • Bloomington CoveCare Community, in Whitchurch-Stouffville, will receive up to $985,524 for additional staffing this year to increase the hours of direct care for residents.
  • Yee Hong Center for Geriatric Care, in Markham, will receive up to $1,744,272 for additional staffing this year to increase the hours of direct care for residents.
  • Chartwell Woodhaven, in Markham, will receive up to $1,674,504 for additional staffing this year to increase the hours of direct care for residents.
  • Parkview Home, in Stouffville, will receive up to $1,116,336 for additional staffing this year to increase the hours of direct care for residents.
  • MARKHAVEN INC, in Markham, will receive up to $837,252 for additional staffing this year to increase the hours of direct care for residents

Ontario Helping More Young People Start Careers in the Skilled Trades

Between July and September 2021, there were more than 330,000 unfilled jobs in Ontario, many of which are in the skilled trades.

This is why the Ontario government is working for workers by expanding its investment in pre-apprenticeship training to a record $28 million, providing more young people with the training they need to launch rewarding careers in the skilled trades.

Pre-apprenticeship training programs are free for participants, combine classroom training with on-the-job learning, combine classroom training with on-the-job learning, and play a crucial role in reducing Ontario’s skilled labour shortage.

Over the coming weeks, Ontario will also be finalizing the second round of projects under the Skills Development Fund – a more than $200 million initiative. The first funding round of the Skills Development Fund last year supported almost 150 projects, including many focused on the skilled trades, and helped 280,000 people around the province take the next step in their careers.

The Skills Development Fund is designed to support fresh ideas for training and skills development that will help keep our economy open and make our workforce more resilient.

Learn more: Ontario Helping More Young People Start Careers in the Skilled Trades | Ontario Newsroom

Ontario Launches Five New ONroute Electric Vehicle Charging Stations
Ontario is leveraging our Clean Energy Advantage by advancing the electrification of our transportation system. As of February 28, 2022, there are over 75,000 EVs registered in Ontario.

This week Ontario launched EV fast chargers at five more ONroute locations, as part of the Ontario government’s historic expansion of Ontario’s Electric Vehicle infrastructure. As of today, 11 ONroute locations are fully equipped with EV fast charging stations.

This year alone, Ontario will open charging stations at 20 of the province’s ONroute locations, serving drivers along the busiest highways.

Ivy’s fast chargers charge 30 cents a minute to charge an electric vehicle. With a fast charger, most drivers can get a 150 km range of charge for as little as $7, depending on their vehicle.

We’re taking further steps to boost EV adoption. In February, Minister Smith asked the Ontario Energy Board to examine a new ultra-low overnight electricity rate. This could encourage EV adoption, by reducing overnight charging costs, when province-wide electricity demand is lower.

By enhancing convenience and choice, we’re making EV adoption a more realistic option for more Ontario families, while boosting our world-class auto sector and reducing emissions.

Learn more: Ontario Launches Five New ONroute Electric Vehicle Charging Stations | Ontario Newsroom

Constituency Office Services
My constituency office is here to serve you. We offer assistance for various provincial government services such as the renewal of Driver’s Licences, Health Cards, WSIB claims, ODSP/FRO cases, and any other service under provincial jurisdiction.

Our staff remains available to respond to your inquiries via phone or email. Should you require any assistance, please email paul.calandra@pc.ola.org or call 905-642-2588. We will endeavour to respond as quickly as possible. Thank you for your understanding.

To reduce in-person visits to ServiceOntario, a number of provincially-issued documents have extended expiry dates. Please click here for further information and to confirm the revised expiry date for your product or identity document.