Horwath urges Ford to recall legislature to end low-wage bill, pass paid sick days

QUEEN'S PARK — Official Opposition NDP Leader Andrea Horwath is urging Doug Ford to recall the legislature, pass key legislation and get to work on helping Ontarians get through the Omicron wave in a letter sent Wednesday.

Full text of letter:

January 5, 2022
Premier of Ontario
Legislative Building
Queen's Park
Toronto ON M7A 1A1
Delivered via email

Dear Premier Ford,
Hospitals across the province are bracing for severe staff shortages amid the largest wave of COVID-19 infections to date. The health and safety of all Ontarians is at risk. This is an emergency and urgent action is needed.
In addition, record numbers of Ontarians are unable to go to work due to exploding COVID numbers or the need to stay home while their children’s schools are closed. These people need paid sick days and they need them now.
I am requesting that you recall the legislature immediately. We are prepared to pass the following two pieces of legislation on the day we return:
A bill to repeal your low-wage policy, Bill 124, which is driving health care workers away.
Bill 8, the Stay Home if You Are Sick Act, providing all Ontarians the paid sick days they need.
We are also prepared to introduce and support any other measures designed to help Ontarians get through this pandemic.
With the Omicron variant spreading like wildfire, it is imperative that your government make sure our hospitals have the staffing levels needed to maintain access to life-saving care. Ontarians deserve to know that their government is doing everything in its power to keep their families safe. Premier, I ask that you act quickly implement the actions I have listed above.
Sincerely,

Andrea Horwath
Leader of the Official Opposition