Local politicians for Ward 7 Humber River Black Creek hosted a Telephone Town Hall on Wednesday April 15th for constituents with special guest Dr. David Jacobs; radiologist at Humber River Hospital and Chair of the Ontario Specialist Association. City Councillor Anthony Perruzza and Member of Provincial Parliament Tom Rakocevic hosted the event to provide community members with updated information regarding COVID-19 as well as to answer questions and receive feedback.
After the officials welcomed their virtual guests, Dr. Jacobs shared tips on how to prevent spreading COVID-19 such as proper handwashing technique and wearing a mask in public. He shared that Ontario is succeeding in flattening the curve, and stressed the importance of the hard work of medical professionals such as staff of Humber River Hospital and local assessment centres, all of whom are working tirelessly around the clock to support the community and keep everyone healthy.
Councillor Perruzza and MPP Rakocevic shared information on government responses to the crisis. They talked about the Canada Emergency Response Benefit, a federal income assistance benefit which issues $2000 a month per applicant for the next four months for those who are suffering lost income as a result of COVID-19.
The town hall also consisted of polling constituents to find out which issues they were most concerned about. In summation, many people were worried about contracting COVID-19 and felt that their families weren’t getting the financial support they needed. The panelists also answered questions, such as concerns over expired driver’s licenses (which we learned will not be penalized) and who to call if a local business isn’t complying with social distancing regulations (311.)
The global pandemic caused by the coronavirus may have forced community residents indoors, but it has not disconnected them from their elected representatives. Though many residents are feeling anxious about safety and when they’ll be able to get back to work, the message at the end of the town hall was clear: the hard work of frontline workers and dedication of residents is paying off and the counsel of medical professionals and elected leaders will never be far when needed.
Anthony Perruzza’s office – 416-338-5335 councillor_perruzza@toronto.ca
Tom Rakocevic’s office – 416-743-3292 - TRakocevic-CO@ndp.on.ca