June 5, 2020, Ontario Premier Doug Ford, Minister of Finance, Rod Phillips, and Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade, Vic Fedeli, reacted to Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s announcement that the federal government will provide $14 billion to Canada’s provinces and territories to assist with reopening and economic recovery from COVID-19. They acknowledged that while $14 billion is a good start, it will not be nearly enough to solve the problems faced by the province as a result of the pandemic.

Premier Ford also announced that more details regarding stage two of Ontario’s economic reopening will be shared early next week.

Premier Ford, Minister Phillips, and Minister Fedeli were joined by Deputy Premier and Minister of Health, Christine Elliott.

Following this afternoon’s announcement, Premier Ford and Minister Elliott took questions from media regarding the resumption of scheduled surgeries and the independent commission into Ontario’s long-term care system.

Further Details

Reaction to Federal Announcement of $14 Billion in Support for Provinces and Territories

This afternoon, in response to the federal government’s announcement of $14 billion in support for provinces and territories to help with economic recovery from COVID-19, Premier Doug Ford acknowledged that while the amount announced today is a good start, it will not be nearly enough to solve the challenges that COVID-19 has created for Ontario.

Premier Ford was joined by Minister of Finance, Rod Phillips, Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade, Vic Fedeli, and Deputy Premier and Minister of Health, Christine Elliott.

According to Premier Ford and ministers in attendance at today’s press conference, in Ontario alone, the cost of economic recovery from COVID-19 could be as high as $23 billion. As a result of the pandemic, Ontario has incurred massive costs in order to equip the health care system, procure an adequate supply of personal protective equipment, support municipalities, and respond to the pandemic through emergency measures related to long-term care and child care. Premier Ford asked the federal government that today’s announcement be the start of a conversation, as a sustained, long-term financial commitment will be required.

In response to questions from media, Premier Ford acknowledged that it is not the responsibility of the federal government “to pay Ontario’s bills,” but emphasized that he is asking to be provided with a share of the federal transfer that is proportional to the population of Ontario. He added that the province needs flexibility to be able to spend federal transfer money where it is most needed.

Questions from Media

Following this afternoon’s announcement, Premier Ford and Minister Elliott took questions from media regarding the resumption of scheduled surgeries and the independent commission into Ontario’s long-term care system.

In response to questions about managing the backlog in scheduled surgeries and procedures that were delayed as a result of COVID-19, Minister Elliott said that the province is working to balance the need to complete these procedures with the need to provide continued support for the long-term care sector in the form of ongoing hospital assistance. She added that approaches are being considered on a regional basis and that, in some cases, facilities other than hospital operating rooms (OR) may be used for non-urgent procedures to free up OR capacity.

Premier Ford was asked about a report from the Registered Nurses Association of Ontario (RNAO), which claims that the findings of reports into Ontario’s long-term care sector have been largely ignored over the last two decades. Premier Ford was adamant that the province’s upcoming independent commission into the long-term care sector will ensure accountability and will seek the input of those on the frontlines of long-term care to obtain a clear understanding of the sector.

Details on Stage Two Coming Next Week

Premier Ford also announced that more details regarding stage two of Ontario’s economic reopening will be shared early next week. He clarified that a move into stage two will not “happen overnight” and that details are being announced to give businesses time to prepare.

Details that will be included in next week’s announcement will include a phased plan for reopening child care safely and gradually, as well as measures that will allow Ontarians to regain some sense of normalcy over the coming summer months.