The provincial state of emergency could end soon but that won’t mean a total return to normal.
Solicitor General Sylvia Jones says even with the proposed legislation to lift the state of emergency, the province would still be able to enforce the current rules.
“We also want to bridge the gap between saying the declaration is over imminently, but we do need certain restrictions to continue, in order to protect Ontario residents,” Jones explains.
The government would be able to extend emergency orders for a month at a time, into next year.
She says the province will still be cautious if the legislation is passed.
“I don’t think there’s anyone in Ontario who wants to go back to a full shutdown, and the orders that we’re putting in place ensure that in measured ways, we can make sure tha we protect certain regions or certain businesses if the need arises,” the Solicitor General says.
Premier Doug Ford emphasizes it isn’t safe to remove some of the restrictions.
“This legislation will not allow us to create any new emergency orders,” Ford says, “They can only be amended or removed. And I will continue to provide you with updates on the emergency measures from this podium.”
The province is also discussing whether to increase the size of social gatherings in the final stage of re-opening.
