Premier Doug Ford about decision to keep Halton Region in Stage 3.
Oosterhoff posted a photo with 40 people not physically distancing
In Halton, this is unique because we have none of the mayors agreeing, we have the regional chair not agreeing, we have our MPPs not agreeing. That’s a wake-up call.
One of Premier Doug Ford’s MPPs took it on the chin for not wearing a mask and Halton Region is staying clear of threatened new COVID-19 restrictions after cases across the province surged almost onethird on the weekend.
Ford was on the defensive, facing questions as to whether a letter-writing campaign by Halton politicians — including his own members — influenced his decision while critics called for discipline against Niagara West MPP Sam Oosterhoff over a controversial picture on social media.
“We don’t base it on letters,” Ford maintained in regard to keeping Halton out of modified Stage 2 restrictions like those faced in Toronto, Peel, York and Ottawa with indoor dining, gyms and theatres shuttered.
Oosterhoff attracted attention for posting a shot of himself with about 40 people not physically distanced or wearing masks.
That sparked demands he be fired as parliamentary assistant to Education Minister Stephen Lecce for setting a bad example with infections soaring. “I couldn’t imagine how it was possible for an MPP … to not be adhering to the rules,” said Liberal Leader Steven Del Duca, noting the timing is curious.
The province reported 851 new cases Monday and six deaths on top of record-level infections of 1,042 Sunday and 978 Saturday, an increase of 704 or 32 per cent from the same days last weekend.
With NDP Leader Andrea Horwath and Ontario Hospital Association president Anthony Dale also calling for Oosterhoff to be dropped as a parliamentary assistant, Ford told reporters his MPP apologized and it’s time to “move on.”
“I have 100 per cent confidence in Sam,” he added. “Everyone makes mistakes.”
Oosterhoff acknowledged he “should have worn a mask when we took a quick pic” and said the event at a Niagara banquet hall was otherwise physically distanced.
After warning Friday that COVID-19 numbers in Halton were “concerning” and that a decision would be announced Monday, Ford was repeatedly asked if pushback Saturday from mayors and MPPs in the region meant that politics — not science — played a role in keeping the area out of modified Stage 2 restrictions.
The premier said it was a different situation because there was broad agreement when the province imposed the measures on Toronto, Peel, Ottawa and York. “In Halton, this is unique because we have none of the mayors agreeing, we have the regional chair not agreeing, we have our MPPs not agreeing,” Ford said. “That’s a wakeup call.”
The premier said he encouraged local politicians, including Oakville Mayor Rob Burton and Burlington MPP Jane McKenna, to write letters to Ontario chief medical officer Dr. David Williams and his Halton counterpart, Dr. Hamidah Meghani.
Williams said later Monday that Halton has been “borderline” and remains under watch, with its medical officer also “not convinced” being ordered into modified Stage 2 was necessary.