May 14th, 2021
May 14th, 2021
BRAMPTON — NDP Deputy Leader Sara Singh (Brampton Centre) will force a vote on a motion Monday calling on the Ford government to safely re-open outdoor amenities in the province immediately.
The Ford government is keeping outdoor amenities like cricket pitches, basketball and tennis courts, skate parks, volleyball nets, and golf courses off limits despite expert advice to do the opposite.
“Parents and their kids have been cooped up at home for months on end. They are frustrated, feeling isolated, and at the end of their rope,” said Singh. “Doug Ford is making this worse by banning outdoor activities and amenities, despite expert advice.
“Needlessly robbing people of activities that are good for our physical and mental health is cruel, and piles on to the struggles people are enduring as the pandemic drags on.”
Ontario’s Stay at Home order has been extended until at least June 2 as result of Doug Ford’s refusal to do what experts, like his own Science Table, recommend — focusing on hot spots, giving everyone paid sick days, closing non-essential workplaces, and encouraging outdoor activity.
Municipal leaders like Brampton Mayor Patrick Brown and Mississauga Mayor Bonnie Crombie have also called for outdoor activities and amenities to be available, safely and immediately, which Peel Medical Officer of Health Dr. Lawrence Loh has publicly stated his support for.
“Whether it’s siblings shooting hoops or a family on the tennis courts, countless outdoor activities can be done safely,” said Singh. “On behalf of the NDP, I’m putting it to a vote next week. Let’s let people get out and play.”
Quote
Michael Gyovai, Executive Director, BGC Peel
“As children, youth and families deal with the mental health impacts of this pandemic, we cannot forget the value and benefits that physical health has on all of us, especially during these times of extended lockdowns. With increased isolation causing anxiety and stresses, our families need our outdoor amenities to be opened so that they can get back to something that resembles a normal life while following the needed safety measures.”
Background
On Monday, Singh’s motion will be debated in the Ontario Legislature and put to a vote. It reads as follows:
That, in the opinion of House, the Ford Government should allow outdoor amenities and activities to immediately re-open safely in keeping with the recommendations of the Ontario Science Table and other public health experts as part of an overall effort to promote the mental and physical health of Ontarians during COVID-19 lockdown orders.