Ontario police and small businesses take a stand against Ford’s new COVID rules

BY NIKITA YOUNG

In a press conference on Saturday, April 27^th, 2021, Premier Doug Ford announced that there would be new province-wide restrictions and enforcement actions due to a rise in cases of COVID-19.

During the conference Ford outlined a four-week action plan that would involve creating provincial checkpoints at the Quebec and Manitoba border where only those deemed “essential” would be able to travel through. Ford’s plan also gave police new powers to stop anyone they want to and ask where they were going and decide if they had a valid reason to be out. After the announcement, Ford was met with backlash from civil liberties groups, various city police, and the general public.

Toronto, Halton, Peel, and over fifteen other police chiefs province-wide have made statements assuring the public that they have no intention of using these powers to randomly stop cars and people to question where they are going. Adrian Woolley; the president of the Peel Regional Police Association said in a tweet that these measures conflict with The Charter of Rights and Freedoms.

After receiving backlash Ford’s office reversed the decision to grant the police powers to randomly stop and question anyone the day after his announcement.

Businesses most affected by the lockdown measures are spas, salons, and gyms that will not be able to open their doors at all. Dine-in, even outdoors will not be an option for restaurants over the four-week period.

These businesses have been ordered to close since the beginning of the pandemic and many say that they will not make it through this lockdown if they don’t reopen. The Canadian Federation of Independent Business estimates that this lockdown will cause over 74,000 small businesses in Ontario to close permanently. Groups like We Are All Essential are working with these small businesses to help keep them open and in business despite the lockdown orders.

Hundreds of businesses across the GTA are banning together and staying open to serve the community even with the risk of being fined by the government. Supporting these small businesses could be a great way to get out during the lockdown.

Many of the businesses listed on the We Are All Essential website are places related to personal care. Places like gyms are accessible for keeping up your physical health. Spas and salons are also listed which make for a great relaxing regenerative experience. Those who are healthy and can use their discretion in regards to their safety.

Dr.Kyeremanteng, a Critical Care and Palliative physician in Ottawa says that mental health is a factor that should be considered. Psychology professor Hilary Bergsieker at the University of Waterloo says that it is unrealistic to expect everyone to stay indoors for over a year. Outdoor transmission is relatively low risk and that is a more “realistic” way to allow people to socialize. The governments’ response to COVID-19 has presented many challenges for everyone, staying social could be a good way to keep your morale up through difficult times.