June 10th Newsletter

Government of Ontario confirms most mask mandates to be lifted on June 11

With high vaccination rates and Ontario’s COVID-19 situation continuing to improve, said Dr. Kieran Moore, Chief Medical Officer of Health, most of the province’s remaining provincial masking requirements, including on public transit, will expire as of 12:00 a.m. on June 11, 2022.

To continue providing an additional layer of protection for the most vulnerable, masks will still be required in long-term care and retirement homes. Masking is recommended in higher-risk congregate living settings, such as shelters and group homes.

On June 11, 2022, remaining Directives will also be revoked and replaced with Ministry of Health guidance for health care workers and organizations. This includes guidance on when masks should be worn in hospitals and other health care settings.

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WSIB doubles rebates for employers enrolled in program

Small employers in Ontario with fewer than 99 employees are being offered an incentive to invest in health and safety.

The Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB) is giving out a pandemic bonus that will double the rebates eligible businesses can earn for each topic they complete in its Health and Safety Excellence program.

“Many smaller businesses are still recovering from the pandemic,” says Jeffery Lang, president and CEO of the WSIB. “We are stepping up with added incentives to help get more businesses investing in health and safety right now.”

The Ontario government is exploring the idea of boosting compensation for workers who become injured or ill on the job.

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Niagara residents invited to attend virtual climate change summit

Given climate change is one of the most serious challenges of the time, residents are invited to attend Niagara’s first-ever climate change summit online on Tuesday, June 28 from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.

Last September, Regional Council passed a motion declaring a climate change emergency, allotting financial resources to address the impacts of our changing climate as well as directing the initiation of region-wide summit focused on the issue.

The Niagara Climate Change Summit will bring a group of diverse stakeholders, including senior representatives from the public and private sectors, to develop a common understanding of climate change and its impact on the Niagara community. Members of the public are encouraged to attend the hybrid summit online to learn more about this important issue which effects everyone.

Members of the public who would like to participate in the morning session are welcome to register for the livestream. On June 28, the livestream will also be available on Niagara Region’s YouTube channel and on the Niagara Climate Change Summit webpage.

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