Support for workers and employers will continue until July 31, 2022 TORONTO – The Ontario government is extending its Worker Income Protection Benefit program, which provides paid sick days, until July 31, 2022 to continue keeping workers safe and ensure they do not lose pay if they need to miss […]
Additional measures to slow the spread as province accelerates booster dose rollout TORONTO — In response to the rapidly-spreading and highly transmissible Omicron variant, the Ontario government, in consultation with the Chief Medical Officer of Health, is applying additional public health and workplace safety measures, including capacity and social gathering […]
Helping Producers Promote Local Foods to Drive Consumer Demand KINGSVILLE – The Ontario government is investing $1 million annually to promote locally grown food and support the economic growth and success of the province’s agri-food sector. Up to $100,000 is available for marketing projects that encourages Ontarians to buy fresh, […]
The Ontario government, in consultation with the Chief Medical Officer of Health, is introducing several measures that will strengthen the province’s proof of vaccination requirements and enhance public health measures. Together these actions will help reduce the risk of transmission during the winter months and further encourage every eligible Ontarian […]
Ontario Extending Pause on Lifting Capacity Limits in Remaining Settings Where Proof of Vaccination is Required Cautious Approach Key to Protecting Our Progress as Province Learns More About the Omicron Variant TORONTO — The Ontario government, in consultation with the Chief Medical Officer of Health, is extending its pause on the lifting of […]
Province issues Request for Proposals to widen highway between Essex and Leamington LEAMINGTON – The Ontario government has issued a Request for Proposals (RFP) to three prequalified teams to design, build and finance the next stage of the Highway 3 Expansion project. This includes widening the highway from two to four lanes […]
Certain groups are now eligible to receive a COVID-19 booster shot if at least six months have passed since their last dose. For questions about eligibility, visit covid-19.ontario.ca/getting-covid-19-vaccine or contact the Provincial Vaccine Contact Centre at 1-833-943-3900. Are you eligible to receive a booster dose of the COVID-19 vaccine? You can […]
Province Providing an Extra Layer of Protection Against COVID-19 and Variants TORONTO — The Ontario government, in consultation with the Chief Medical Officer of Health, is accelerating COVID-19 vaccine booster dose eligibility to Ontarians aged 50 and over and additional high-risk individuals, providing an extra layer of protection against COVID-19 […]
All Children Aged Five to 11 Can Receive A First Dose of Protection from the COVID-19 Vaccine In Advance of Holiday Season TORONTO — Today, Christine Elliott, Deputy Premier and Minister of Health, and Sylvia Jones, Solicitor General, issued the following statement regarding Health Canada’s approval of the Pfizer COVID-19 […]
Eliminating mailing paper renewal notices will save $29 million for Ontarians TORONTO — The Ontario government is continuing to improve access to modern and customer-focused services by eliminating mailing paper renewal notices in favour of convenient digital reminders. By eliminating paper renewal notices, Ontario will be saving up to $29 […]
Province stands behind community in aftermath of devastating explosion TORONTO – The Ontario government is taking further action to support the community of Wheatley by providing an additional $3.8 million in funding. The funding will help evacuated residents with immediate needs such as housing and food, and ensure the municipality […]
Ontario Pausing the Lifting of Capacity Limits in Some Settings Where Proof of Vaccination is Required Province’s Cautious Approach Key to Protecting Our Progress TORONTO — The Ontario government, in consultation with the Chief Medical Officer of Health, is pausing the lifting of capacity limits in remaining higher-risk settings as […]
Eligibility Will Expand Gradually Based on Age and Risk to Provide Extra Layer of Protection Against the Delta Variant TORONTO — The Ontario government, in consultation with the Chief Medical Officer of Health, is expanding eligibility for booster doses of the COVID-19 vaccine to additional groups of high-risk individuals starting […]
Good News for Apple Wallet Owners Individuals who use iPhones can now choose to add their enhanced vaccine certificate with official QR code directly to their Apple Wallet. This feature is available with iOS 15.1 and provides an additional way to access and display proof of vaccination. To read the […]
Whenever André Levesque walks by the National War Memorial in his native Ottawa, he lays his hands on the tomb of the Unknown Soldier. “My body feels warm and glowing,” he says, “like I’m going through something very emotional. It’s amazing.” Levesque’s deep personal connection to the monument was sparked when he […]
Ontario Releases Plan to Safely Reopen Ontario and Manage COVID-19 for the Long-Term Gradual, cautious approach to manage COVID-19 now and moving forward TORONTO — The Ontario government, in consultation with the Chief Medical Officer of Health, has released A Plan to Safely Reopen Ontario and Manage COVID-19 for the Long-Term, which […]
There are multiple ways to provide your proof of vaccination. You can use a printed or digital copy of your vaccine certificate with a QR code or your vaccine receipt. We encourage everyone to download their enhanced vaccine certificate with official QR code. It’s easy, and a more convenient way […]
Enhanced COVID-19 Vaccine Certificate with QR Code and Verify Ontario App Available for Download Starting October 15 Ontario Making it Easier and More Convenient to Show Proof of COVID-19 Vaccination TORONTO — In advance of October 22, the Ontario government is making the enhanced vaccine certificate with official QR code […]
34 million trees planted across Ontario through the 50 Million Tree Program since 2008 Not-for-profit charity Forests Ontario facilitated the planting of 2.8 million trees through its 50 Million Tree Program (50 MTP) this planting season. These efforts created approximately 1,400 ha of new forest, contributing to the total 17,100 […]
You don’t need the name on the cover to identify a book by Barbara Reid. It isn’t just that the children’s author and illustrator has such a distinctively vibrant visual style; it’s also the wonderfully unusual medium she uses: plasticine. A competition Reid entered in the late 1970s, while she […]
Public Health and Health Care Indicators Stable or Improving as Vaccination Rates Increase TORONTO — With public health and health care indicators remaining stable or improving, the government, in consultation with the Chief Medical Officer of Health, is cautiously lifting capacity limits in select indoor and outdoor settings where proof […]
TORONTO — Today, Dr. Kieran Moore, Chief Medical Officer of Health, issued the following statement on COVID-19 vaccines for individuals aged 18-24 years old: “Health Canada authorized COVID-19 vaccines are safe, effective and significantly reduce the risk of infection and serious illness, including hospitalization. Out of an abundance of caution, […]
Province stands behind community with funding to help local businesses resume operations TORONTO – The Ontario government is taking further action by providing the town of Wheatley with up to $2 million in funding following a devastating gas leak explosion in the community. The funding will help directly impacted eligible […]
Effective September 25, with public health and health care indicators stable and proof of vaccination now in effect, Ontario is cautiously easing capacity limits for select indoor settings where proof of vaccination is required and certain outdoor settings, including: – meeting and event spaces, such as banquet halls and conference/convention […]
Need to print your vaccine certificate but don’t have a computer or printer? Here’s what you can do: • Call the Provincial Vaccine Contact Centre at 1-833-943-3900 to request a copy be sent by mail • Visit your local library or ask a trusted friend to help you print a […]
Nine years after she had moved to Canada as a refugee, Adeena Niazi had herself smuggled back into Afghanistan. It was 1997, and the Taliban had banned girls’ education; the former lecturer at Kabul University was determined to help. She set up underground home-based schools for girls, funding them with […]
Starting September 22, here is what you will need to enter certain businesses and organizations. Why do I need to show my ID? So businesses and organizations can ensure the vaccination receipt belongs to the right person. To confirm your identity, learn what identification documents you may use. What you’ll […]
Ontarians are strongly encouraged to renew their documents online at ServiceOntario.ca TORONTO – The Ontario government is reinstating renewal requirements for driver’s licences, licence plate stickers, Ontario Photo Cards, Ontario health cards, and other products that would have expired on or after March 1, 2020, but were extended to provide […]
Province to Begin Offering Third Doses of COVID-19 Vaccines to Most Vulnerable Ontarians TORONTO — In response to evolving data around the transmissibility of the Delta variant and based on the recent experiences of other jurisdictions, the government, in consultation with the Chief Medical Officer of Health, is taking action […]
For some, the decision of what path to take in life comes easy. It requires life-changing moments of realization for others: That was certainly the case for Dwayne de Rosario. For the teenager living in Scarborough in the mid-90s, the near-death experience of being shot in the eye with a […]
Digital reminders will make it more convenient to renew licence plate stickers, driver’s licences and health cards TORONTO — The Ontario government is making it easier to renew important documents by introducing the option for people to receive digital reminders – including email, text or voicemail – to renew their licence plate stickers, […]
Residents can spend more time with friends and family TORONTO — As Ontario moves to Step Three of its Roadmap to Reopen on Friday, July 16, 2021, the province is easing COVID-19-related restrictions in congregate care settings such as residences for adults with developmental disabilities, residences for children in care or with […]
Continuing Improvements in Key Indicators Allowing Province to Safely Expand Indoor Settings and Capacity Limits TORONTO — With key public health and health care indicators continuing to improve and the provincewide vaccination rate surpassing the targets outlined in the province’s Roadmap to Reopen, in consultation with the Chief Medical Officer of […]
New Service Provides Fast, Simple and Accessible Digital Solution TORONTO – The Ontario government is making life easier for Ontario Photo Card holders by providing the option for card renewals online, no longer requiring in-person renewals at a ServiceOntario centre. The Ontario Photo Card provides Ontarians who do not have a […]
More Than Five Million Ontarians Now Fully Vaccinated Against COVID-19 TORONTO — As the province moves to Step Two of its Roadmap to Reopen, Ontario is accelerating second dose eligibility to all children and youth aged 12 to 17 to provide them with a strong level of protection against COVID-19, including […]
Celebrating stories of Ontarians: Alis B. Kennedy, Member of the Order of Ontario If there is one theme running through the life and remarkably varied cv of Order of Ontario member Alis B. Kennedy, it is that of discovery. “I love adventure,” says the Montréal native, who now lives in Woodbridge. […]
Continuing Improvements in Key Indicators Allowing Province to Ease Additional Public Health Measures TORONTO — With key public health and health care indicators continuing to improve, the provincewide vaccination rate now surpassing the targets outlined in the province’s Roadmap to Reopen, and on the recommendation of the the Chief Medical […]
Over 75 per cent of Ontario Adults Have Received A First Dose of a COVID-19 Vaccine and more than 19 per cent are Fully Vaccinated TORONTO — With a majority of Ontario adults having received a first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine and over three million doses of the Moderna […]
TORONTO – The Ontario government is making it possible for families to fish for free this Father’s Day weekend. On June 19 and 20, 2021, Ontario families can enjoy fishing province-wide without having to purchase a licence or carry an Outdoors Card. “Whether you’re new to fishing or it’s something […]
Province to increase the number of road tests available and hire additional driver examiners to address backlog TORONTO – Ontario is resuming in-vehicle passenger road tests on Monday, June 14, 2021, at DriveTest centres across the province. To address the backlog of road tests resulting from COVID-19 restrictions, road testing […]
Improvements in Key Indicators Allowing Province to Begin the Safe and Gradual Lifting of Public Health Measures TORONTO — Based on the provincewide vaccination rate and continuing improvements in key public health and health system indicators, the Ontario government, in consultation with the Chief Medical Officer of Health, will move […]
Residents can Enjoy More Outings and Close Contact with Loved Ones TORONTO — Thanks to high levels of vaccination in long-term care homes and improvements in key public health care indicators, Ontario is allowing long-term care residents to enjoy more social connections with their loved ones. The changes take effect […]
Ontario Accelerating Vaccinations to Support a Safer Summer and Return to In-Person Learning in September TORONTO — To best protect Ontario families from the fast growing B.1.617.2 variant, and to allow for higher rates of vaccination of students, staff, and families, the Ontario government has made the difficult decision to […]
TORONTO – Greg Rickford, Minister of Indigenous Affairs, released the following statement in recognition of National Indigenous History Month: “Today marks the start of National Indigenous History Month, a time to honour and celebrate the traditions, heritage, and culture of First Nation, Inuit, and Métis peoples across Ontario and […]
Updated policy means family and friends can safely visit loved ones TORONTO — In response to improvements in key public health care indicators, Ontario is pleased to announce that friends and family can now visit long-term care homes to see residents for an outdoor visit. The changes take effect Saturday, […]
Province Safely Reopening Outdoor Recreational Amenities Prior to End of Stay-at-Home Order TORONTO — The Ontario government, in consultation with the Chief Medical Officer of Health, has released its Roadmap to Reopen, a three-step plan to safely and cautiously reopen the province and gradually lift public health measures based on the […]
Province Invites All Adults to Schedule Their First Dose Appointment TORONTO — As the pace of Ontario’s COVID-19 vaccine rollout continues to accelerate with 2.2 million doses scheduled to arrive this week, the government is extending booking eligibility at mass immunization clinics to individuals aged 18 and over. This high […]
The Lieutenant Governor and Maryka Omatsu at the Order of Ontario Investiture Ceremony, February 2015 This month is Canada’s 20th annual Asian Heritage Month—an occasion to celebrate the culture and contributions of the Asian-Canadian community, and also to reflect. As Judge Maryka Omatsu reminds us, this year there is a special […]
Province Outlines Plans to Make Pfizer Vaccine Available to Youth Aged 12 to 17 TORONTO — With the new, more contagious variants continuing to pose significant risks, the Ontario government, in consultation with the Chief Medical Officer of Health, has extended the Stay-at-Home Order (O. Reg. 265/21) until at least […]
TORONTO — The Ontario government is adding high-risk health care workers to the list of those eligible to receive their second dose of the COVID-19 vaccine earlier than the extended four-month interval. Eligibility for booking will begin by the end of the week of May 10, 2021 and booking details […]
Hot Spot Communities COVID-19 has disproportionately impacted certain neighbourhoods and communities across the province. These areas may have historical and ongoing high rates of COVID-19 deaths, hospitalizations and transmission. To target these areas, the following postal codes are: designated as hot spots receiving additional doses of vaccines People ages 18 […]
TORONTO — Due to a stable and reliable increase in vaccine supply, this week, the Ontario government will further expand booking eligibility for COVID-19 vaccination appointments across the province. As of Monday, May 3, 2021, at 8:00 a.m., individuals who are 18 and over in 2021 and live in one […]
Ontario Expands COVID-19 Vaccination Booking to Individuals 45 and Over in Hot Spot Communities Licensed Child Care Workers Across Ontario Eligible to Book Vaccine Appointments This Week TORONTO — The Ontario government is expanding booking for COVID-19 vaccination appointments to individuals 45 and over in designated hot spot communities in […]
TORONTO — Today, Dr. David Williams, Ontario’s Chief Medical Officer of Health, issued the following statement to expand COVID-19 vaccination eligibility at pharmacies and primary care settings to individuals aged 40 and over: “Starting Tuesday, April 20, 2021, Ontario will offer the AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine to individuals aged 40 and over at […]
The theme of this year’s Earth Day, on April 22, is “Restore Our Earth.” It’s a call for action to bring our environment back to health. We will accomplish this only with innovative thinking and new perspectives, driven by science and by the urgent need for climate action. These are […]
Continued Rise in COVID-19 Cases Demands Shift to Protect Students and Staff and Slow Community Spread TORONTO — The Ontario government, in consultation with the Chief Medical Officer of Health, has made the difficult decision to move elementary and secondary schools to remote learning following the April break. This move […]
Find your closest pharmacy to get the AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine if you are age 55 or older. Starting April 1, 2021, select pharmacies across the province are booking appointments for AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccines for eligible people ages 55 or older in 2021. You must have an appointment to get vaccinated […]
Schools will remain open for in-person learning during four-week stay-at-home order as education workers become eligible for vaccines TORONTO — The Ontario government is introducing new measures to protect schools against COVID-19 which include refresher training, enhanced cleaning and asymptomatic testing. As these new measures are being introduced, the government […]
Additional measures needed to protect health system capacity and save lives during third wave of COVID-19 TORONTO — The Ontario government, in consultation with the Chief Medical Officer of Health and other health experts, is immediately declaring a third provincial emergency under s 7.0.1 (1) of the Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act (EMPCA). […]
Phase Two Supports Vaccine Rollout by Postal Code in “Hot Spot” Communities TORONTO — The Ontario government is moving into Phase Two of its COVID-19 vaccine distribution plan, with a focus on reaching individuals in “hot spot” communities where COVID-19 has disproportionately impacted certain neighbourhoods. In addition, this phase will prioritize […]
All 34 Public Health Unit Regions to Move into Shutdown TORONTO —The Ontario government, in consultation with the Chief Medical Officer of Health and other health experts, is imposing a provincewide emergency brake as a result of an alarming surge in case numbers and COVID-19 hospitalizations across the province. The provincewide emergency brake […]
For over a century, in countries around the world, people have gathered at rallies, marches, and celebrations every March to mark International Women’s Day. This year, the pandemic has stopped us from meeting in person, but we continue to connect in solidarity to share stories of challenges and success in […]
Province Extending Shutdown and Stay-at-Home Order in Regions at Highest Risk February 12, 2021 Health TORONTO — In consultation with the Chief Medical Officer of Health, the Ontario government is transitioning twenty-seven public health regions out of the shutdown and into a revised and strengthened COVID-19 Response Framework: Keeping Ontario Safe and Open (the “Framework”). The four remaining public health regions, Toronto Public Health, […]