Earlier this month I toured the retrofits being completed by Queensway Carleton Hospital to the closed Fairfield Inn and Suites on Terry Fox Drive. There are now 16 patients transferred to this new site -- not patients with COVID-19, but those who can safely be cared for outside of a traditional hospital setting. This new space allows more room inside the hospital for those sick with COVID-19. (Above photo is a nurses' station. Below photo I am seen with Hospital CEO Dr. Andrew Falconer and Leah Levesque, VP patient care and chief nursing executive.)

On May 15th I was pleased to be part of the Ottawa Board of Trade virtual Town Hall Meeting with Mayor Jim Watson to discuss government support for Ottawa businesses. There were 75 people on the call and I want to thank OBOT members and participants for a great exchange. (Above photo: Zoom screen shot (which many have now become familiar with!)).

All three levels of government are providing support to businesses as they reopen. It is important for our local business owners leverage the available programs and services in the months ahead. My office will work with the Ottawa Board of Trade and our business associations in Kanata and West Carleton to ensure that local businesses are aware of and use the support initiatives. (Below photo: Opening comments about our local economy.) 

The Ontario Government recently announced that certain retailers, seasonal businesses, as well as health and community service providers will be permitted to open or expand their services. The Province is conducting a phased approach to responsibly reopen the economy and is providing businesses, employers, workers and families with the information and support they need. Read more here about Ontario's Plan to Reopen Business (First Stage). 

As our Kanata and West Carleton business community reopens, I encourage everyone to consider buying local and supporting our community. I have launched an awareness drive and will be active in the months ahead supporting our local businesses. Read more here: Support Local Businesses "First and Foremost".

I would like to once again mention that our local food banks need our help. The Kanata Food Cupboard http://www.kanatafoodcupboard.ca/ remains open but it has moved to an emergency service hamper model. Place donations in bins outside of the warehouse (340 Legget Drive) and visit the website for donation suggestions.
 
The West Carleton Food Access Centre, located at the West Carleton Community Complex, continues to update and change our services depending on the emerging needs that we are seeing in the community. Call 613-832-5685 or email at wcfoodaid@gmail.com for more information. 
 
Ottawa Public Health has prepared an excellent online resource highlighting guidelines for Food Banks, Food Premises, Retail Stores, Multi-Unit Dwellings, and more. Visit: 
https://www.ottawapublichealth.ca/en/professionals-and-partners/covid-19-resources.aspx

Through the month I have been back and forth to Queen's Park in Toronto, with the Premier and Minister of Health, conveying to Ontarians the latest news about the Province’s health care and long term care issues. Long-term care homes are the front-line of the fight against COVID-19 around the world -- and it is no different in our Province. Here is the latest Ontario Government news announcing an independent commission into Long-Term Care. 

The Ontario Government has a Family Support and Action Line, which is available to long-term care families, staff, residents, and the general public to receive information or raise concerns during the COVID-19 pandemic. By calling in you will reach one of our many experienced long-term care inspectors, who can answer questions, help you find solutions, or even just have a chat.

Did you know? -- Ontarians using the Ontario Drug Benefit Program will not be required to pay any co-payment until July 1, 2020, for any prescription of 30+ days that’s now being dispensed in installments. In addition, existing and new Trillium Drug Program holders can apply for an income reassessment to help reduce the financial burden for families during the outbreak. Read more here: Ontario Making Prescription Drugs More Affordable During COVID-19. 

We are turning a corner in the COVID-19 outbreak. The Framework for Reopening the Province is a prudent and responsible way to transition us to “a new normal.” With workplace guidelines in place, we can open businesses safely for both employees and customers. Also, outdoor recreational amenities, including sports facilities and multi-use fields, off-leash dog areas, and outdoor picnic sites, benches and shelters in parks and recreational areas, are now open. We ask that everyone respectfully practice physical distancing.