Greater focus on tourism recovery needed, says MP
Allison says throne speech missed chance to talk about Niagara’s recovery
Despite promises of “big grandiose things,” Niagara West MP Dean Allison said Wednesday’s throne speech didn’t given him much confidence that the region’s devastated tourism industry would be a priority in the months to come.
“There’s no question that Niagara’s tourism sector has been just crushed (in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic shutdowns) and I don’t see any signals in what they’re going to be able to do,” the veteran Conservative MP said.
While he agrees about concerns regarding reopening the border with the U.S., Allison said there should be more flexibility in some circumstances.
“There are still opportunities for family reunifications,” he said, suggesting stepping up testing to ensure people crossing the border are virus free. “There are people with family across the border, there are people who own property on Lake Erie, Ellicottville and in Florida. We need to see some flexibility.”
While the region’s numerous wineries have been struggling too, he said
Niagara Falls — represented by his federal Conservative colleague MP Tony Baldinelli — “has been particularly hard hit.”
sult once a person has started showing symptoms. Hirji has pointed out that if a test is done before someone show symptoms, it can produce a negative result even if the person carrying the virus.
At the same time, asymptomatic testing when a person has no risk of exposure to the virus also runs the risk of clogging up the testing system, overwhelming labs with what he calls “unproductive” tests.
Those who want a COVID-19 test can call Niagara Health at 905-378-4647, ext. 42819 (4CV19). Mcnally said due to current demand a test is scheduled between two to four days.
Walk-in appointments are still available until Sunday, however, Mcnally said if demand is high some people will be turned away.
Grant Lafleche is a St. Catharinesbased investigative reporter with the Standard. Reach him via email: grant.lafleche@niagaradailies.com