THUNDER BAY – Mayor Bill Mauro wants to see Thunder Bay join a growing number of Ontario cities mandating the use of masks in indoor spaces and on public transit.
In a statement, the mayor said the city had been advised it does not have the authority to make such rules itself. Instead, Mauro announced his intention to ask the Thunder Bay District Health Unit to issue an order.
That request will come before city council at its July 20 meeting.
“The Province has been clear to this point, that they will not make masks mandatory even though they and medical professionals are recommending their use,” Mauro said. “I am asking [public health authorities] to make a determination on the appropriateness of this approach.”
A previous motion from Coun. Aldo Ruberto to lobby the province to pass a similar policy was defeated by a wide margin in early May, with only Mauro and Coun. Peng You lending their support.
“I supported that motion to ask the Province for its consideration believing that public opinion and the language from public officials was shifting significantly on the issue,” Mauro said. “That has proven to be the case and I think the motion is appropriate at this time to provide some clarity and certainty to the public.”
