Jeff Burch MPP, Niagara Centre

Government of Ontario
Vaccine Information Daily Updates Reporting Violations Businesses Individuals and Families

COVID-19

I know there is a great deal of concern in our community about the COVID-19 coronavirus. I have included some information below for your convenience. Please note if you are looking for regular updates, access the resources included in the "daily updates" section below for timely updates. As governments of all levels coordinate their response, constituents are urged to stay informed about prevention measures and advisories issued by public health officials.

Those 12 and older can book an appointment through the Provincial Booking System or calling 1-833-943-3900.

For the full list of those who are eligible for a vaccine visit: Ontario's COVID-19 Vaccination Plan.

For those interested in booking the vaccine at a local pharmacy visit: COVID-19 Pharmacy Vaccine Locations

Information on the COVID-19 Vaccines authorized by Health Canada visit: Authorized Vaccines

Note: these websites are updated often. Should you have any questions or concerns, my staff and I are here to help and can be reached at 905-732-6884 or [email protected]

Updates are available daily on the following websites:

Information from Toronto Public Health on local cases, how to protect yourself and where to seek further medical support.

Information from Ontario’s Ministry of Health and Long Term Care

Find out how to protect yourself, what to do if you’re sick and how to recognize possible symptoms. Updated twice daily, in 30 languages.

Information from the Government of Ontario and the Public Health Agency of Canada

Updates on the national response, travel advice and preparedness.

Important travel advisories and restrictions related to COVID-19, from the Government of Canada.

If you believe an individual or a business is violating a public health order, contact the by-law officer in your municipality. 

 

Welland

905-735-1700 ext. 2224.

Hours of operation: M-F: 8:30am – 4:30pm, excluding holidays. 



Port Colborne

 905-835-2901 ext 209 and ext 208

Hours of operation: M-F: 8:30am – 4:30pm, excluding holidays. 



Thorold

905-227-6613

Hours of operation: M-F: 8:30am – 4:30pm, excluding holidays. 


After-hours calls may also be directed to the Niagara Regional Police Service’s non-emergency line at 905-688-4111.

Essential Businesses 

Read the list of essential workplaces in response to COVID-19 (2019 novel coronavirus). If you have questions about what will be open or impacts to your business or employment, call the Stop the Spread Business Information Line at 1-888-444-3659. Read the full list here.

Financial Support

Provincial 

Financial Support for businesses can be found here: https://budget.ontario.ca/2020/marchupdate/relief-measures.html 

Tax filing and remittance deadlines will remain the same. However, beginning April 1, 2020, penalties and interest will not apply to Ontario businesses that miss any filing or remittance deadline under select provincial taxes. This will continue for a period of five months.

The following provincial taxes are included in the relief period:

  • Employer Health Tax
  • Tobacco Tax
  • Fuel Tax
  • Gas Tax
  • Beer, Wine & Spirits Tax
  • Mining Tax
  • Insurance Premium Tax
  • International Fuel Tax Agreement
  • Retail Sales Tax on Insurance Contracts and Benefit Plans
  • Race Tracks Tax 

Federal 

The federal government has created a number of programs to support businesses at this time. You can find the full list of federal supports and how to apply here. 

 

Provincial 

Rent 

Ontario has placed a freeze on evictions due to COVID-19.

Hydro 

Ontario has eliminated mid-peak and on-peak electricity rates. All hydro-rates will be reflected as off-peak. 

Childcare 

Ontario will be providing free child care for health care and front line workers. You can see your eligibility here. 

All other child care centers have been ordered to close under the Provincial state of emergency. This covers all child care settings except unlicensed home daycare, which is limited to 5 children not related to the operator.

 

Federal 

COVID-19 – Benefits and services

Support measures to help individuals and businesses directly affected by the COVID-19 disease.

Canada Emergency Response Benefit

If you have stopped working because of COVID-19, the Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB) may provide you with temporary income support. The CERB provides $500 a week for up to 16 weeks.

Who is eligible

The benefit will be available to workers:

  • Residing in Canada, who are at least 15 years old;
  • Who have stopped working because of COVID-19 and have not voluntarily quit their job or are eligible for EI regular or sickness benefits;
  • Who had income of at least $5,000 in 2019 or in the 12 months prior to the date of their application; and
  • Who are or expect to be without employment or self-employment income for at least 14 consecutive days in the initial four-week period. For subsequent benefit periods, they expect to have no employment or self-employment income.

Employment Insurance

Employment Insurance (EI) includes temporary benefits for workers, sickness, fishing and family-related benefits as well as how to apply online and submit a report.