STAYING PREPARED

All of us have witnessed the unfortunate rise of COVID-19 cases in Ontario recently. Fortunately, Milton continues to persevere. As we continue to move forward despite the challenges, I want to remind you to please keep following public health measures like practicing physical distancing, wearing a face mask, abiding by public gathering limits, and washing your hands regularly. It makes a difference and it can save lives.

For months, our government has been developing one of the most comprehensive COVID-19 fall preparedness plans in Canada. The plan features over $2 billion to fortify the frontlines of our healthcare system, ensuring we are prepared to combat the evolutionary nature of this pandemic.

A critical part of being prepared is expanding our testing and case management capabilities. Included in our preparedness plan is $1.376 billion in additional funding to enhance our testing efforts. This means more testing locations and more case management resources to process, trace, and isolate new cases. It also means Ontario is now capable of providing a new average of 50,000 tests per day – the highest daily average in Canada.

I want to again thank our font line health care providers for their heroic efforts. The care and devotion they have for our community is truly remarkable and is why our government is supporting them, and our health care sector, with a $52.5 million investment to hire over 3,700 more providers and caregivers. Doing so will make sure our health care system can meet any surge, while continuing to provide high-quality care to patients and long-term care residents. 

Access to reliable, quality care has never been more important. With a new investment of $854,345 to Halton Healthcare through the Health Infrastructure Renewal Fund, I am proud this action will allow the Milton District Hospital, and others continue their tremendous work.

I want to assure you that our government remains resolute in our efforts against the COVID-19 virus. We will continue to take any action necessary to keep you and your family healthy.

Thank you, Milton. Stay strong.