Peggy Sattler MPP, London West

QUEEN’S PARK – MPP Peggy Sattler (London West) has released a statement after the government refused to pass her legislation to provide paid sick days for workers in the province:
 
“Until we make it possible for every worker in Ontario to stay home if they are sick, we won’t be able to stop the spread of COVID-19. My bill, the Stay Home If You Are Sick Act, guarantees paid sick days for every worker, delivered by their employer so there is no interruption in pay.  Workers should not have to lose income if they stay home with symptoms or are waiting for results of a COVID test. For the lowest-waged workers – who are least likely to have paid sick days – losing pay could mean not being able to make the rent or buy groceries. When they get sick, they will go in to work.     
 
On Tuesday, the premier and his MPPs again refused to pass this bill, which we know will save lives by protecting workers and their families. Without paid sick days, we will see more outbreaks, more infections and more avoidable deaths.
 
That’s why across the province, municipal leaders, physicians, nurses, public health experts, labour leaders, local boards of health, workers and business owners are all calling for provincially legislated paid sick days. It is past time to listen to the experts and pass this bill.
 
I will keep fighting for paid sick days. I am bringing my bill for debate in the Ontario legislature again next week, and I am urging the government to start listening and stop blocking this life-saving legislation.”