Mike Schreiner, leader of Ontario's Green Party, released the following statement following the passage of Bill 189, the Coronavirus (COVID-19) Support and Protection Act, 2020:

“I did not oppose today’s legislation because the people of Ontario need us to work together.

Extending the state of emergency ensures that we do not ease off physical distancing, which saves lives.

But sadly, this bill leaves a lot of Ontarians waiting for help that doesn’t seem to be on the way.

The government had a month to come up with a comprehensive relief plan, and yet they are allowing too many people to fall through the cracks.

This legislation does not help workers and Ontarians with disabilities who do not qualify for federal relief.

It does not help local businesses who might go under because they cannot afford rent.

It does not help municipalities who need provincial aid to keep providing vital services.

And it does not provide more resources to address the surging demand for mental health support.

The government set aside $3.8 billion in contingency funds and it must be prepared to use this financial assistance to help the people who need it now.”

Schreiner said the bill also gives some relief to students and municipalities, but says parents, teachers and school administrators must  have the information they need to plan for the weeks and months ahead.

"The government owes them a roadmap of when and how these decisions will be made whether to extend classes into the summer or cancel the school year altogether.

Parents and educators need this information so they can plan for the weeks and months ahead, he says, calling for the Education Minister, Stephen Lecce to make that call now.

source: media releases, Mike Schreiner MPP