MPP statement on closure of bars in Church and Wellesley Village

TORONTO — NDP MPP for Toronto Centre Suze Morrison made the following statement in response to reported cases of COVID-19 at several businesses in the Church and Wellesley Village, and the subsequent shutdown of several bars:

“The reports of COVID-19 cases at establishments in the Church and Wellesley Village are extremely concerning. To everyone who is ill I wish a speedy recovery. I want to express my appreciation to the businesses for taking proactive measures to curb the spread of the virus by notifying public health and temporarily closing to ensure establishments are properly sanitized. Following strict public health protocols is our best defense for keeping staff, patrons and the general community safe.

The Village is more than a collection of shops and stores; it’s a cultural main street, and a haven for 2SLGBTQ+ communities. Many Queer and Trans-owned businesses and workers in the Village are reeling from the ongoing financial impacts of the pandemic, and in dire need of support from the Ford government to make it through the second wave of COVID-19.

Our communities' economic recovery will depend on government investment in local businesses, to protect the vibrancy of our main streets and secure financial stability for working folks. With Ontario in a second wave, the province desperately needs a plan to help businesses keep the lights on and their staff on the payroll.

The NDP's new plan to Save Main Street, released last week, includes a ban on all commercial evictions, a 75 per cent commercial rent subsidy, sick days for all, and a fund to help businesses with safe-reopening costs or remote-work set-up. The Ford government must stop neglecting businesses and adopt our plan to keep businesses afloat.

The Village is a living, breathing part of Queer and Trans history that we simply cannot afford to lose.”