Walter Pamic, who sits on the board for the Ontario College of Trades, joined me to discuss the impact COVID is having on the contracting industry, training and certifications in the trades, and the stark difference between the general hysteria that the media is portraying versus the reality some of our essential workers are experiencing.

The Consequences of Covid are many, health education and prosperity. Our Federal government has increased debt borrowings, 10-fold this year and 10 million Canadians are unemployed and on relief. Our economy has shrunk by 39% in the 2nd quarter which is greater than Depression era consequences.

Here’s just one of the many letters I am receiving from educators about the plans for reopening schools in Ontario and their many concerns about the mandating of face masks on both staff and students.

Despite their efforts and mine, neither teachers’ unions nor the government are responding to these concerns.

In the face of significant institutional shaming towards professionals who would speak out against COVID policies, I applaud these teachers for expressing their convictions and views in these challenging times.

If you agree this is something we must address, contact the Premier, your MPP, School Board Trustee and tell them it is time to talk. Democracy works best when we all use it; phone, email, or visit your elected members.

Premier: [email protected] or [email protected] or 416-325-1941

Find Your MPP: https://www.ola.org/en/members

Find Your Local Health Unit: http://www.health.gov.on.ca/en/common/system/services/phu/locations.aspx

For a lot of businesses, it hasn't been COVID that devastated or severely hindered their efforts to keep people employed and provide goods and services to their community, but rather the government's continued response to COVID.