Clear & Consistent Health & Safety Rules Are Essential If Our Province Is To Beat #COVID19

(Toronto – July 13, 2020) – Today, Rocco Rossi, President & CEO, Ontario Chamber of Commerce released the following statement in reaction to the Ontario government’s announcement on Stage 3 of reopening the economy.

“We welcome the Government of Ontario’s staged, careful and pragmatic approach to reopening the economy. We all must do our part to support a safe reopening and, as such, we need increased municipal collaboration across the province.

“We are hearing more and more concerns about businesses experiencing unintended consequences related to inconsistent pandemic safety guidelines and enforcement measures implemented by individual Public Health Units.

“This issue is particularly pertinent for businesses that operate in multiple jurisdictions, such as quick service restaurants, and consumers who shop throughout the province as it begins to re-open. Clear and consistent information is important for everyone to develop trust and to stay safe. We encourage municipalities and regions to collaborate and harmonize guidelines to reduce frustration and ensure everyone is following the rules.

“Significant concerns also remain for businesses that rely on large gatherings such as the arts and tourism, sectors that are important to many regional economies across Ontario.

“Furthermore, linking the phased re-opening to increased access to childcare and schooling is essential to support families transitioning back to work.”

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About the Ontario Chamber of Commerce
For more than a century, the Ontario Chamber of Commerce (OCC) has been the independent, non-partisan, indispensable partner of Ontario business. The OCC’s mission is to support economic growth in Ontario by defending business priorities at Queen’s Park on behalf of its network’s diverse 60,000 members.

For more information, please contact:
Ceara Copps-Edwards
Manager, Public Affairs
Ontario Chamber of Commerce
cearacoppsedwards@occ.ca| (647) 936-6734