September 11, 2020, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Ontario Premier Doug Ford participated in the official ground-breaking ceremony of IAMGOLD’s new Côté Gold Mine in Gogama. The mine will support Northern Ontario’s economic recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic, and once operational, is expected to employ 450 people and contribute $10 billion to Ontario’s gross domestic product (GDP).

Prime Minister Trudeau and Premier Ford were joined by Ontario Minister of Energy, Northern Development and Mines, Greg Rickford, and Ontario Minister of Natural Resources and Forestry, John Yakabuski.

Following the ceremony, Premier Ford responded to questions from media regarding Ontario’s ongoing response to COVID-19.

Further Details

Questions from Media – Response to COVID-19

Tracking of COVID-19 Cases in Schools

Earlier today, the Ontario government launched a website tracking cases of COVID-19 in schools and child care centres. The website will be updated every weekday.

When asked whether the government would consider job protection or wage protection for parents required to stay home to care for children with symptoms of COVID-19, Premier Ford said he was “open to the possibility.” He added that the Minister of Finance and Minister of Education are working together to ensure that parents who stay home to care for symptomatic children are supported.

Preparation for Second Wave

In response to questions about how Ontario businesses should be preparing for a second wave of COVID-19, Premier Ford reiterated the importance of wearing a mask, frequent sanitization, and continued social distancing.

Premier Ford again emphasized that Ontario’s recent uptick in new cases is largely concentrated within the province’s large urban areas, including Toronto, parts of the Greater Toronto Area, and Ottawa, while congratulating Northern Ontario for the region’s success in curbing the spread of COVID-19. Health teams are being deployed to support communities where spikes are occurring.