Legislature shouldn’t be suspended until people have the supports they need

April 18, 2021

TORONTO — Mike Schreiner made the following statement in response to reports that the Ford government might suspend the Legislature:

“It is our democratic duty as elected representatives to ensure we do everything possible to continue the work of the government to support the people of Ontario.

We should not suspend the Legislature until we have laws in place for safe workplaces in order to reduce the spread of COVID19, especially after the nonsensical decisions the government made on Friday.

This includes legislated paid sick days, prioritizing vulnerable workers for vaccines and paid time off for vaccination, mandated medical PPE and rapid testing, and closing workplaces that are not truly essential.

We need to provide the care and support people need, not police them.

I hope all parties can work together to find a way for the House to sit while keeping Legislative staff and security personnel safe. I’m available to work across party lines to explore all options for safe sittings before suspending the Legislature.

I’m not here to play politics. I’m here to work for people.”

-30-