October 29, 2020, Premier Doug Ford and Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade, Vic Fedeli, announced the second phase of the province’s “Ontario Made” program, in partnership with Canadian Manufacturers & Exporters (CME). The second phase of this program involves the launch of an Ontario Made Consumer Directory by CME, which will make it easier for consumers to find made-in-Ontario products.

Following this afternoon’s announcement, Premier Ford responded to questions from media regarding the province’s ongoing response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Additional announcements

Yesterday, the government announced over $241 million in funding for municipalities and Indigenous community partners to help protect vulnerable populations across the province. The government also issued a temporary management order for the Millennium Trial Manor long-term care home in Niagara Falls due to an increasing number of COVID-19 cases among residents and staff. The Niagara Health System will temporarily manage the home for a period of 90 days.

Further Details

Second Phase of “Ontario Made” Program

This afternoon, Premier Ford and Minister Fedeli announced the second phase of the Ontario Made program, which encourages consumers to support local businesses. The program is a partnership with CME.

In the second phase of Ontario Made, CME is launching a website with an Ontario Made Consumer Directory, which will promote Ontario-made goods and simplify the process of finding made-in-Ontario products for consumers. The searchable directory can be accessed at supportontariomade.ca and includes over 4,600 products.

By encouraging Ontarians to buy local goods, the Ontario Made program aims to support jobs and help Ontario recover economically from the COVID-19 pandemic.

Questions from Media – Response to COVID-19

Regions in Modified Stage 2

Premier Ford was asked whether public health regions that are currently in modified Stage 2 can expect to return to Stage 3 of reopening after the initial 28-day period. In response, he said that the decision would be informed by health officials. Premier Ford also suggested that his desire is for the government to take a more “surgical approach” rather than painting a broad brush across entire regions and sectors. He offered the example of Caledon, which has few COVID-19 cases, but is being “punished unfairly” as a part of Peel Region, even through cases are concentrated in Brampton and Mississauga.

Funding to Support Vulnerable Populations

Yesterday, the government announced an investment of $241 million for municipalities and Indigenous community partners to help protect vulnerable populations across the province.

Funding announced yesterday is part of a larger $510 million investment to protect the health and safety of Ontario’s most vulnerable populations. The funding will be delivered through the Social Services Relief Fund and will be used to support homeless shelters, create or renovate more than 1,500 housing units, and expand rent support programs.