THUNDER BAY - As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to wreak economic havoc across the country, the province is preparing to get the economy back on its feet when the outbreak is over.
Statistics Canada revealed on Thursday that the province of Ontario has experienced a decrease in 402,800 jobs.
“These numbers are a punch in the gut,” said Premier Doug Ford. “Ontario lost more than 400,000 jobs last month due to the fallout of this terrible virus. Sadly these numbers are just the tip of the iceberg. They are a snapshot of what we are dealing with. But these are not just numbers. These are real people.”
On Thursday, the provincial government announced it is forming a new Ontario Jobs and Recovery Committee consisting of ministers from across the Ontario government.
"While we focus our energy and resources on defeating COVID-19, today's job numbers highlight why we also need to plan for an economic recovery," said Rod Phillips, Minister of Finance.
"At Premier Ford's request, I have convened the Ontario Jobs and Recovery Committee. And our first order of business is to prepare for the next phase of Ontario's Action Plan, which will be ready to launch as soon as COVID-19 is contained. This team will get our economy moving again ― with a focus on job creation, opportunities for growth, and protecting our province from future threats."
The committee will consult with a variety of economic sectors on the impact of COVID-19, including business associations, chambers of commerce, municipal leaders, and business owners to develop an action plan moving forward.
The province has already invested $17 billion to help the people of Ontario during the pandemic, which includes supports for healthcare workers, people and jobs, and tax deferrals.
Of the investment, $52 million is available to assist those in financial crisis with social assistance to cover the cost of food, rent, and medicine.
“When we beat COVID-19 our province will come back stronger than before,” Ford said. “There is a lot of work to be done. We will still have some very difficult days and weeks ahead of us and I know it might be hard to see the light at the end of the tunnel, but we will turn the corner.”
