Today at 3:00 P.M. Mayor John Tory declared a State of Emergency in Toronto on the advice of the Chief Medical Officer of Health and the Office of Emergency Management. This is the first time that this measure has ever been enacted in the City of Toronto and it will allow for significant budget and policy decisions to be made more quickly and without going through regular channels. This was in response to the Premier’s earlier announcement acting on the advice of Public Health Officials, ordering the mandatory closure of all non-essential workplaces effective as of Tuesday, March 24th at 11:59 p.m.
The Mayor will now be able to issue orders that implement the City’s Emergency Plan and to protect the health and welfare of Toronto’s residents under the Civil Protection Act unilaterally without the need for full Council approval.
As has been noted in other recent COVID-19 Updates that we have circulated, municipal governments across Canada are developing and implementing various measures and task forces to support businesses. Many have implemented tax deferral programs for businesses that can help companies save money at this critical time.
If you would like to learn more about these programs, the Municipal Affairs Team at Sussex can help you determine your next steps and connect you with the appropriate public office holders in each region and municipality.
Jamie Besner, Principal
jbesner@sussex-strategy.com
Angela Drennan, Vice President
adrennan@sussex-strategy.com
Tristan Downe-Dewdney, Associate
tdowne-dewdney@sussex-strategy.com
Lauren Goethel, Jr. Associate
lgoethel@sussex-strategy.com
