QUEEN'S PARK - With the Ford government’s flawed paid sick days program expiring on March 31, I was proud to support the call of the Decent Work and Health Network for 10 permanent paid sick days. Not only is the government's program temporary and inadequate, but it subsidizes large corporations like Loblaws and Amazon that refuse to provide paid sick days for their workers - while raking in record pandemic profits.
Almost 60% of Ontario workers do not have paid sick days from their employer, especially if they are racialized or low wage. This puts them in an impossible position of deciding whether to go to work sick or losing their pay. If the Ford government cared about Ontario workers, he would pass my Private Members Bill and legislate 10 permanent paid sick days now.