In my 62 years, I have never experienced such an all encompassing and overarching division within Ontario as has developed with COVID-19. It has made polarization between political parties appear docile.

Since April 23rd we have seen over 53,000 medically necessary procedures delayed or cancelled, due to the under-utilization of our hospitals. The Health Minister has admitted that “about” 35 people have died while awaiting heart surgery.¹

These statistics were revealed yesterday by the Financial Accountability Office of Ontario (FAO)’s Preliminary Review on the Impact of the COVID-19 Outbreak on Hospital Capacity.
https://www.fao-on.org/en/Blog/Publications/health-2020

Fighting COVID-19 by not using healthcare- Who would have thought?

I fully support and endorse Kingston’s resolution to move away from the province's “one-size-fits-all” model for combating COVID-19.

With diminished representation in government at the federal and provincial Parliaments, it is clear that local governments must have greater influence on how provincial policies are applied.

The needs and effects these provincial policies have had on each and every riding in our province differs greatly, from preventing community gardens to the closure of boat ramps and parks. What may be reasonable in Toronto or Ottawa does not necessarily apply to Ompah and Franktown.

Over one month ago, we were faced with the realization of a pandemic, one which none of us actually had ever experienced, let alone fully understood the ramifications or consequences of. Uncertainty was the only sure thing we knew. However with time, more evidence has been uncovered, more facts revealed, and our ability to act and respond in an informed and knowledgeable manner vastly improved.

The Legislature is expected to resume sitting in a limited manner starting May 12th along with some committees resuming, and I will be attending to ensure the people of Lanark–Frontenac–Kingston are well represented. Our Parliaments, Legislatures, and representative government have essentially been suspended during this pandemic; whatever the future holds, I know that government and public policy can't be left in the hands of only a few to decide the path forward.

In the meantime, and as I have since the closure of the Legislature on March 13th, will continue to speak directly with members of Cabinet and appropriate Ministries to help limit and overcome the many contradictions and difficulties that have become apparent during this period of government by decree. I look forward to sharing this with you through these updates, as more details and easing of restrictions are realized.

I have heard from many families and individuals concerned about their loved ones living in Country Haven, and other Long Term Care (LTC) homes. COVID-19 has had a heavy toll on our elderly population, who are at an elevated risk.

I have strongly encouraged the Minister of LTC to consider the following changes to alleviate the outbreaks in our LTC Homes:

To allow residents to temporarily relocate, where safe and practical, with their families while protecting their placement in the LTC home. In addition, I have suggested that we permit and fund these homes to directly hire additional healthcare workers and PSWs, and reduce the reliance upon workers travelling between multiple homes to provide care.  

Although there are no perfect solutions, especially in these uncertain times, this decision should have a multitude of positive effects on the safety in our LTC homes; notably, reduced crowding will limit exposure and alleviate the acute stress many LTC employees are facing, and reduce the overall risk of further spreading the virus.

I will continue to have these discussions with other LTC homes and the Minister while we address the growing need of the most at risk members in our communities.

You can read my letter to my constituents below.

I must commend the Premier and this government for keeping the door open for consultation from all members of all parties, including independents. Unlike the failed power grab attempted recently by the Prime Minister in Ottawa.

Due to the circumstances, I have substantially altered my typical Scuttlebutt update by having my political commentary abbreviated.

In this edition, I have included information regarding the new programs for individuals, families, and businesses that provide relief. As I am sure you can appreciate the circumstances and the programs are subject to constant change, however at the time of writing this, the information is accurate. I expect we will see the Prime Minister and Premier continue with their daily press conferences and latest updates at 11:15 am and 1:00 pm, respectfully.

I have and will continue to engage with and share my views with the Premier and Cabinet regarding the most effective measures and public policies to assist and provide relief to the people of Lanark–Frontenac–Kingston.

In another historic moment, the Ontario Legislature came together to pass my Private Member’s Motion on the creation of the first ever permanent Standing Committee on Indigenous Relations in any Provincial Legislature.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
6 March 2020

(QUEEN’S PARK)- Yesterday, MPP Randy Hillier’s (Independent, Lanark–Frontenac–Kingston) Motion to create a permanent Standing Committee on Indigenous Relations was debated and passed with the full support of the House. This marks the first ever Standing Committee on Indigenous Relations in any Provincial legislature.