Landscape Ontario update April 21, 2020

 

The Government has appointed a committee of key MPPs charged with opening up the economy in an orderly way while ensuring that the spread of COVID 19 is contained. We are in communication with that committee.  

 

We have asked the government to include us in the next Essential Workplaces list scheduled to be released later this week. There are good reasons why we can be. We are an outdoor profession. It is much easier to social-distance outdoors. The sun is a natural disinfectant. The person-to-person contact necessary to spread the disease can be mitigated. We are a responsible industry. We are focused on health and safety for all above all else.   

 

There are many other public health, sanitation, mental health, environmental, therapeutic, economic, aesthetic and other life enhancing benefits we offer, but at the end of the day, if we want to be first out of the gate we need to focus on health and safety and prevention of illness.

 

In the meantime, there are still many questions about whether some sectors can work. It is difficult to provide absolute clarity when there is none. We know you are frustrated with the confusion. We know that the situation is exacerbated by the fact that some of your competitors are working. We know that your customers may be pressuring you. We also know that many of your employees may be hesitant and fearful. We know that your own family might be apprehensive. We will try to provide as much clarity as possible under the conditions.    

 

The Ontario Government issued an Essential Workplaces List on April 3. This list provides the ultimate authority on who can work. It is up to individual companies to make their own interpretation on whether they fit in sections 1, 20, 24, 26 or 30. There has been conflicting and confusing information, and answers that have caused frustration. To add to the confusion, enforcement is being handled locally. Here is what we know for sure:

Here is where the confusion lies. Many municipalities have come out in writing or on their web sites saying that they have consulted with provincial authorities, and certain specific and identified maintenance operations are allowed. Other municipalities differ in their interpretation. This is why it is important to make your own interpretation while checking with local enforcement. The priority however, if you are working, is to work safely.

 

Employers are advised to take advantage of the many resources that continue to be made available. Visit LO’s Covid-19 Task Force Resource Hub and watch today’s LO Covid-19 Task Force Town Hall webinar on operating safely to support a healthy and safe return to work for all.