TORONTO – Thunder Bay-Atikokan MPP Judith Monteith-Farrell challenged the Ontario government on its pandemic pay program Tuesday, questioning why money promised to health workers over a month ago has yet to arrive.
The first-term MPP said she continues to hear from constituents who are eligible, but not receiving the pay. She also criticized the government for not including more workers in the benefit.
“When will this government ensure frontline healthcare heroes finally get the pandemic pay they deserve?” she asked.
On April 25, the government announced it would provide a $4-an-hour top-up to frontline health care workers like nurses, PSWs, and support staff, as well as a $250 lump sum every four weeks for those who worked more than 100 hours.
The list drew criticism for excluding some frontline health workers, some of whom – such as paramedics – were subsequently added.
It appears most eligible workers have yet to receive the benefit. Major Thunder Bay health institutions including the regional hospital and St. Joseph’s Care Group confirmed their staff were not yet receiving it, saying as of Friday they had yet to receive guidance from the government on implementing the program.
Responding to Monteith-Farrell Tuesday, Health Minister Christine Elliott chalked the delay up to complex administrative requirements, and promised the pay would be received beginning next week.
“It’s important to mention the Ministry of Health has been working with over 1,000 different transfer payment agreements [to get] this moving,” she said. “The sheer volume and the number of transfer payment agencies we’re dealing with has held this up, but the money will start flowing next week.”
