Yesterday, the province announced extended emergency child care for essential workers in Covid-19 hot spots, including Toronto, York and Peel. IBEW CCO’s James Barry has released a statement in response the announcement:
Finally, we have a government that is showing respect for the men and women in the trades on some very important issues.
Effective tomorrow, the Ontario government will expand its emergency childcare program to include individuals in Toronto, York Region and Peel who work for a business that undertakes construction activities that are currently permitted during the pandemic.
This announcement, made by Education Minister Steven Lecce, focuses on regions where schools are not yet open. The program extends the eligibility for essential workers to include those working in construction in the identified regions. This is one of several programs and initiatives recently introduced by the Province that recognize the value and contributions of our industry.
Once again, I would like to thank Premier Doug Ford, Minister of Labour Training and Skills Development, Monte McNaughton, Education Minister Stephen Lecce and their staff for their hard work and support.
To our members you who are currently out in the field working to help build and maintain vital services under challenging circumstances, this is one more example of how you are appreciated.
The IBEW CCO and our partners the ECAO will continue to work on your behalf to address issues that are important to the future of our industry, the integrity of the trade and to the health and safety of all our workers.
Thank you for all your hard work and please stay safe.
Please see link to the announcement here.
James Barry
Executive Secretary Treasurer
IBEW Construction Council of Ontario