With hospitals in crisis, Ford once again rejects giving Ontarians 10 paid sick days

QUEEN'S PARK — The Ford government has once again blocked efforts to give Ontarians 10 days of paid sick leave, voting down the Ontario NDP’s Stay Home if You Are Sick Act while Ontarians face a difficult respiratory illness season.

“I am deeply disappointed that the Ford government has voted against giving Ontarians 10 paid sick days,” said NDP MPP Peggy Sattler (London West), who tabled the Stay Home if You Are Sick Act. “It is hard to imagine how anyone could vote against paid sick days when our hospitals — especially children’s hospitals — are over-capacity and surgeries are being cancelled to accommodate the flood of people seeking urgent care. Ensuring paid sick days is a critical way that Ontarians can protect themselves and others.”

This is the 28th time the Ford government has voted against paid sick days for Ontarians. Through the pandemic, they repeatedly voted down NDP motions for 10 paid sick days.

“Doug Ford had to be dragged kicking and screaming to introduce a temporary and inadequate program of paid sick days at the height of the pandemic,” said Sattler. “As the cost of living skyrockets, and the crisis in our health care system worsens, paid sick days are more important than ever. Many people simply cannot risk losing a day’s pay when they are sick or their child is sick. It’s shameful that Mr. Ford and his government are turning their backs on working people, especially the racialized, low-wage, and immigrant workers most likely to be denied paid sick days.”

Workers in Ontario have just three days of temporary paid sick leave — a measure hard-won by activists, workers, and the Official Opposition. That’s three paid sick days total — not annual — for almost three years living through a global pandemic, and can only be used for COVID-related illnesses.

“With flu, RSV, and COVID-19 all posing a risk this year, Ontarians need and deserve the ability to stay home, recover, and prevent the spread,” said Sattler. “The NDP will keep standing shoulder to shoulder with working people in Ontario to advocate for 10 permanent paid sick days.”