City of Kitchener continues call for operating funding support, improvements to sick leave benefits, and support for mass vaccination efforts

Earlier today, Ontario’s Big City Mayors (OBCM) met to discuss the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on cities and communities across Ontario. OBCM continued calls to federal and provincial governments for continued financial assistance for municipalities throughout 2021.

“We are very thankful for the support that the federal and provincial governments provided to municipalities in 2020,” said Kitchener Mayor, Berry Vrbanovic. “That funding ensured front-line services and transit weren’t cut; services that people throughout communities across Ontario continue to rely on. But as we can clearly see with vaccine roll-out planning, COVID-19 will be with us for many more months to come. We need to continue working together with our federal and provincial partners to ensure municipalities have the needed dollars to deliver vital services to support Canadians during the pandemic in the months ahead.”

With COVID-19 cases in the workplace on the rise, some people are still choosing to go to work even though they are ill because they have to make the difficult decision between their health or paying for necessities like rent or food. There have been growing calls for better sick leave and pay benefits so that people who are sick stay home and help reduce the spread of COVID-19. The OBCM passed a motion in support of better sick leave and pay benefits.

“Our medical professionals have consistently said since Day 1 that staying home when sick, along with things like hand-washing and distancing, will go a long way in reducing the spread of the virus. But while people are being asked to stay home, sick leave benefit programs are not sufficient enough for people to follow through in that decision,” said Mayor Vrbanovic. “We know that sick leave benefits vary from employer to employer, and many facing COVID-19 don’t have any benefits at all. We are calling on the federal and provincial governments to improve government sick leave benefits so people aren’t choosing between their health and paying their bills.”

Much has been discussed recently about COVID-19 vaccine supply, distribution and rollout, all critical in the fight against the virus. As Phase 1 vaccine roll-out continues, and looking forward to Phases 2 and 3 in the months ahead, cities are looking to do their part in supporting vaccination efforts.

“The federal and provincial governments’ efforts to date with respect to vaccine supply and distribution have been tremendous. Through the leadership of Retired General Rick Hillier, the Ontario Vaccine Distribution Task Force, and our own Regional Vaccine Distribution Task Force, we know the best plans possible are being prepared to ensure all residents have fair and equitable access to the vaccine in the coming months,” said Mayor Vrbanovic. “As cities, we stand ready to support this vaccination effort and our health care professionals, whether it is providing large facilities that may be needed for this type of massive operation, assisting with recruiting efforts to help get our residents vaccinated, or in any other way that we are called upon.”

Ontario’s Big City Mayors (OBCM) is comprised of mayors of Ontario cities with populations of 100,000 or more. Collectively, Ontario’s Big City Mayors represent nearly 70% of Ontario’s population. OBCM provides a voice for big city mayors in policy debates that impact Ontario cities. Through policy development, advocacy, discussion and partnerships, Ontario’s Big City Mayors support strong and effective cities.

https://www.ontariobigcitymayors.ca/

Twitter: @ONBigCityMayors

OBCM media releases: https://www.ontariobigcitymayors.ca/news/

For more information please contact:

Paul Grivicic, Chief of Staff
City of Kitchener
226-749-3410
paul.grivicic@kitchener.ca

Bethany Rowland, Director of Corporate Communications & Marketing
City of Kitchener
226-752-9038
bethany.rowland@kitchener.ca