People In Japan, Spain, France Are Unhappy With Government COVID Response

Paris, France May, 2020 — Sentiment over whether governments are doing a good job of containing the coronavirus pandemic has swung in a number of countries over a month, according to the latest Ipsos poll.

A majority of people in nine out of 13 countries feel their government is doing a good job of containing the spread of COVID-19 in a survey of nearly 26,000 respondents conducted on April 23 to 26. People in India (87%), Australia (84%), Canada (81%), Germany (75%) and Italy (61%) are most likely to say this, while those in Japan (62%) and the hard-hit European countries of Spain (60%) and France (51%), and Russia (47%) were most likely to cite a poor job by their government.

May 4, chart 1.jpg

But when you look back to polling results from more than a month ago – March 19 to 21 – sentiment has fallen the most in some key countries at the center of the outbreaks. Japan is at the top with their view of government response down 18 percentage points, followed by France (-13), Brazil and Russia (-9), Italy (-5), and the United States (-4).

On the other end, a positive view of the government’s work has increased in Germany (+26 points), Australia (+24 points), Mexico (+13), and Canada (+10) since March. Sentiment in the United Kingdom has remained unchanged with three in five people (59%) happy with the government response.

May 4, chart 2.png

In terms of how people view the work of an international agency – the World Health Organization – a majority of people in 11 out of the 13 countries surveyed think the WHO is doing a good job in containing the spread of COVID-19, but this sentiment has fallen since March in nine out of 12 countries where Ipsos has tracked opinions.

People in the emerging markets of Mexico (78%), India and Brazil (75%) are most likely to be satisfied with the WHO’s response, followed by the developed nations of Canada (69%) and the U.K. (64%). The only two countries where more people disagree with the job done by the WHO are Japan (63%) and Russia (42%).

Other Ipsos research shows when respondents are asked about the performance of institutions in preventing the spread of the virus other aspects of the issue, including the economic effects of shutdowns, also influence how they evaluate institutional performance relative to containing the spread of COVID-19.

May 4, chart 3.png

The countries seeing the biggest decline in regard for the WHO’s response are France (-14), India and Russia (-12) and Australia (-9). Germany (+13) and Japan (+2) are the only countries where satisfaction with the WHO’s role has increased.

May 4, chart 4.png

https://www.ipsos.com/en/view-governments-job-contain-covid-19-falls-hard-hit-countries-rises-others

About the Study

These are the results of an Ipsos survey conducted April 23rd to 26th, 2020 on the Global Advisor online platform among 25,992 adults aged 18-74 in Canada and the United States and 16-74 in Australia, Brazil, France, Germany, Italy, India, Japan, Mexico, Russia, Spain and the United Kingdom. Where available, tracking results from previous studies, conducted through April and March and selected results from February are referenced by date.

The sample for April 23rd to 26th consists of approximately 2,000 individuals in each country. The samples in Australia, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Spain, the U.K. and the U.S. can be taken as representative of these countries’ general adult population over age 16 or 18 (as above) and under the age of 75. The sample in Brazil, India, Mexico, Russia, and is more urban, more educated and/or more affluent than the general population and should be viewed as reflecting the views of the more “connected” segment of the population. The data is weighted so that each market’s sample composition best reflects the demographic profile of the adult population according to the most recent census data.

Where results do not sum to 100 or the ‘difference’ appears to be +/-1 more/less than the actual, this may be due to rounding, multiple responses or the exclusion of don’t knows or not stated responses. The precision of Ipsos online polls are calculated using a credibility interval with a poll of 1,000 accurate to +/- 3.5 percentage points. For more information on the Ipsos use of credibility intervals, please visit the Ipsos website (www.Ipsos.com).

For the Silo, Darrell Bricker, PhD CEO, Ipsos Global Public Affairs

About Ipsos

Ipsos is the world’s third largest market research company, present in 90 markets and employing more than 18,000 people.

Our passionately curious research professionals, analysts and scientists have built unique multi-specialist capabilities that provide true understanding and powerful insights into the actions, opinions and motivations of citizens, consumers, patients, customers or employees. We serve more than 5000 clients across the world with 75 business solutions.

Founded in France in 1975, Ipsos is listed on the Euronext Paris since July 1st, 1999. The company is part of the SBF 120 and the Mid-60 index and is eligible for the Deferred Settlement Service (SRD).

ISIN code FR0000073298, Reuters ISOS.PA, Bloomberg IPS:FP www.ipsos.com
Featured image: Philippe Lopez/AFP/Getty Images/CNN

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8 responses to “People In Japan, Spain, France Are Unhappy With Government COVID Response”

  1. Toby Barrett Avatar
    Toby Barrett

    UPDATE ONTARIO-
    Training tax credits available for laid-off workers

    This is a refundable personal income tax credit that returns 50 per cent of eligible training expenses for 2021, up to $2,000. Expenses that apply include everything from personal support worker training programs to heavy machinery training programs, to courses towards a degree, diploma, or certificate and much more. In combination with the federal government’s Canada Training Credit, people can get a total of up to $2,500 back next year for training.

    The pandemic has changed our economy, and we understand people need relief to maintain their quality of life at this challenging time.

    “The Ontario Jobs Training Tax Credit provides up to $2,000 per person to help with the cost of training,” said Monte McNaughton, Minister of Labour, Training and Skills Development. “This is just one way we are supporting workers during the COVID-19 pandemic.”

    To help workers learn new skills or change careers, the Ontario Jobs Training Tax Credit will provide up to $2,000 for 50 per cent of eligible training expenses, for a total estimated $260 million in support for about 230,000 people.

    Up to $2,500 of support is available when the Ontario Jobs Training Tax Credit is paired with the Canada Training Tax Credit.

    Ontario’s 2021 Budget has incorporated the needs of job seekers by offering a helping hand in the form of refundable tax credits; those eligible should know that relief is available.

    “Training programs are essential to our mission of helping people find good jobs,” said Monte McNaughton, Minister of Labour, Training and Skills Development. “With the right training, laid-off workers can get the hand up they need into life-long careers. Supporting innovative training projects in communities across the province is part of our plan to help people develop the in-demand skills they need both now and in the future.”

    We encourage the people of Ontario to use these tax credits to fill the gaps created by last year’s global economic downturn and help set their lives on the right track forward.

    For more information, contact me, MPP Toby Barrett at 519-428-0446 or toby.barrett@pc.ola.org Please mention The Silo when contacting.

  2. Toby Barrett Avatar
    Toby Barrett

    UPDATE
    Ontario keeping workers safe as province re-opens
    Free health and safety training now available for small businesses

    SIMCOE — The Ontario government is investing $10.5 million to provide up to 60,000 small businesses across the province with free health and safety training over the next three years.

    The new Small Business Health and Safety Training Program will improve health and safety awareness to help prevent illnesses and injures by training health and safety representatives of small businesses on how to keep workers safe in the retail, construction, health care, accommodation and food services, and other sectors.
    Businesses will also be reimbursed for the time the representatives are away from work.

    Safety is always Job#1. We all recognize the importance of awareness and prevention.

    “As Ontario reopens, keeping workers safe will continue to be our top priority,” said Monte McNaughton, Minister of Labour, Training and Skills Development. “Small businesses have less resources to learn about health and safety than other businesses and we know they are facing a lot of financial pressures as a result of this pandemic. Our government is making sure they have the guidance and support they need.”

    Beginning today, Ontario’s new Small Business Health and Safety Training Program will cover the course registration costs for an employee who is appointed by their colleagues as a health and safety representative for their workplace.
    The program will also reimburse small businesses $150 towards the representative’s training time. All small businesses that have six to 19 employees are required to have a health and safety representative and they can apply for this program.

    “Protecting our economy starts with protecting our small businesses and the people who run them and foster their growth,” said Nina Tangri, Associate Minister of Small Business and Red Tape Reduction. “By investing in health and safety training, we’re making our small businesses safer places for hardworking families to seize the opportunities they need to get ahead.”

    The eLearning training course is offered through Workplace Safety and Prevention Services, a Health and Safety Association. The free training takes about six to eight hours for most people to complete, and covers a range of topics, including:

    -occupational health and safety laws
    -rights, duties and responsibilities of workplace parties
    duties and responsibilities of the health and safety representative under the Occupational Health and Safety Act
    -recognition, assessment, control and evaluation of common workplace hazards

    This program builds on Ontario’s commitment to protect and support workers, educate and train people for the labour market and contribute to a prosperous and stable economy and is part of the province’s 2021 Budget, Ontario’s Action Plan: Protecting People’s Health and Our Economy.

    Quick Facts

    To register for the free training, eligible small businesses must access the course through Workplace Safety and Prevention Services’ website. Once training is complete, small business applicants should retain a copy of the certificate of completion as proof for their refund of the $25 registration fee and the $150 toward the cost of worker training time.

    Small businesses can apply for reimbursement through the Small Business Health and Safety Training Program starting in Fall 2021. More details will be available soon on Workplace Safety and Prevention Services’ website.

    Selected by workers, a health and safety representative’s duties include inspecting the workplace on a regular basis, identifying possible hazards, making recommendations for improvements and making health and safety resources available to those in the workplace.

    In Ontario, about 130,000 small businesses require a health and safety representative.

    Workplaces with 20 or more workers are required to have a joint health and safety committee.

    For more information, contact MPP Toby Barrett at 519-428-0446 or toby.barrett@pc.ola.org Please mention The Silo when contacting.

  3. Toby Barrett Avatar
    Toby Barrett

    My front row seat to the impact of COVID on Ontario agriculture

    My past two years as Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (OMAFRA) have been a front row seat to the impact of the pandemic on our agriculture production.

    It is no exaggeration that our agri-food sector not only touches every corner of Haldimand-Norfolk, but every corner of Ontario.

    Agri-food is vital sector and an economic powerhouse. Excellent soils and technological advances in food processing ensure we have one of the world’s most diversified industries. It supports more than 49,600 farms producing over 200 commodities and contributes $47.3 billion to provincial GDP. Agriculture employs 860,000 Ontarians from both urban and rural communities – representing over 11 per cent of our province’s labour force.

    While other industries came to a near standstill in the past year, our agri-food exports rose to $17.2billion, up 4.2 per cent from 2019. This made Ontario the top agri-food-exporting province in Canada, followed by Saskatchewan.

    Many are not aware of the complexities, the time and effort that goes into food production. Farmers have always been our unsung heroes. Over the past year, along the value chain we saw hard working and innovative producers, processors, distributors, retailers and front-line staff work tirelessly to meet unprecedented challenges. Moreover, our government worked diligently to ensure the continuity of the value chain to bring food to Ontario tables.

    Like those in the industry, OMAFRA is dedicated to continuously enhancing food safety and animal health, and it continues to become a more modern regulator.

    COVID-19 changed many things, but it did not change our need to eat and therefore our need to produce food.

    An anchor of our support for farmers is our suite of robust risk management programs. In partnership with the federal government, we delivered $259 million to Ontario farmers through our farm income stabilization programs, Agri-Invest and Production Insurance. As well, our government has permanently expanded the risk-management program from $100 million to $150 million. Farmers depend on these programs and partnerships in times of need when uncertainties hit.

    We also expanded production insurance coverage for COVID-19-related production losses and enhanced agri-insurance coverage to include labour shortages due to the virus. Through the Feeder Cattle and Commodity Loan Guarantee Program, we backed over $250 million in operational loans, which had real benefits for more than 1,000 Ontario farmers.

    Ontario is in an enviable position to fill the predicted future international demand for safe, high-quality product. We are competing with other jurisdictions, and that is why it is so vitally important that we advocate for our interests.

    Research, innovation and commercialization are vital to maintain a globally competitive sector, capitalize on new and emerging market opportunities, contribute to a healthy Ontario, and support safe and robust food processing. This year, OMAFRA is investing up to $68 million in research and innovation, and over the past four years, has invested over $282 million. Our long-standing partnership with the University of Guelph, the Ontario Agri-Food Innovation Alliance and the Agricultural Research Institute of Ontario help secure future opportunities.

    We will always stand shoulder to shoulder with rural Ontario, even in the most difficult times, to grow more opportunities for farms and rural businesses. We will work to protect our critical food system from disruption while maintaining our responsibilities and funding programs without interruption.

    Toby Barrett MPP for Haldimand-Norfolk

  4. Bobbi-Ann Avatar
    Bobbi-Ann

    UPDATE: May 3, 2021

    QUEEN’S PARK — More than 40 per cent of Ontario adults have now received at least one dose of COVID-19.

    “Ontario has now administered over five million doses of the COVID-19 vaccine,” said Haldimand-Norfolk MPP Toby Barrett. “Thank you to frontline workers and volunteers for their hard work to get us here.”

    Despite an inconsistent vaccine supply to date, the province has continued to build a solid foundation in Ontario’s vaccine rollout, with a focus on age and risk, allowing us to reach our most vulnerable populations and have a measurable impact.

    As of April 30, over 5.2 million doses have been administered across the province, starting with the province’s most vulnerable populations, including long-term care residents. Over 91 per cent of Ontarians aged 80 and over have received at least one dose. Over 25,000 first and second doses have been administered in 31 fly-in First Nations communities and Moosonee, and 95 per cent of long-term care residents are now fully vaccinated, providing a layer of protection to those who need it most.

    The province has also continued to expand delivery channels, helping to vaccinate more Ontarians faster. Ontario has over 300 primary care settings, 1,400 pharmacy locations, and 189 mass immunization sites supporting its vaccine rollout in addition to mobile and pop-up clinics occurring in hot spot communities, building the capacity for the province to deliver 150,000 doses each day. Ontario has continued to ramp up its rollout, surpassing five million doses administered in eight days since administering the fourth million.

    More predictable supply from the federal government also allows us to continue to expand booking eligibility across the province, with individuals aged 18 and older eligible to book through the provincial booking system as early as the week of May 24, 2021. People 50-plus can now book vaccinations this week, 40-plus can book next week, 30-plus is up the week of May 17 and those over 18 are the week of May 24.

    A full schedule is available here https://news.ontario.ca/en/backgrounder/1000036/phase-two-schedule-for-covid-19-vaccine-booking-eligibility

    Ontario is on track to offer first dose vaccinations to ten million people by the end of June, as long as there is a steady supply of vaccines from the federal government.

    On Saturday, Christine Elliott, Deputy Premier and Minister of Health, and Solicitor General Sylvia Jones issued the following statement:

    “Yesterday we have achieved our goal of administering first doses of COVID-19 vaccines to 40 per cent of Ontarians aged 18 and over by May 1. With over 4.8 million people having received their first shot, we are one step closer to defeating COVID-19,” Christine Elliott, Deputy Premier and Minister of Health, and Solicitor General Sylvia Jones said in a joint following statement issued May 1.

    Elliott and Jones also said, “The best vaccine remains the first one you’re offered, and we strongly encourage everyone to book an appointment as soon as it’s their turn. By doing so, we can protect our families, friends and loved ones, and stop the spread of COVID-19.”

    For more information, contact MPP Toby Barrett at 519-428-0446 or toby.barrett@pc.ola.org

  5. Bobbi-Ann Brady Dwornikiewcz Avatar
    Bobbi-Ann Brady Dwornikiewcz

    Priority measures for Ontario’s long-term care homes

    Since COVID-19 emerged, I have received hundreds of calls and e-mails about
    long-term care homes and have been passing these concerns to Ontario’s Long-Term
    Care Minister Marilee Fullerton, Minister of Health Christine Elliott, and Seniors’
    Minister Raymond Cho.

    This pandemic has hit long-term care homes across Ontario, and across the world,
    hard. Every region and every ownership type and model have been impacted.

    Our government’s top priority is Ontarians’ health and well-being, especially our
    most vulnerable. We have invested $1.38 billion to ensure our long-term care homes
    and health care partners have what they need.

    Addressing urgent staff shortages

    With our health care partners, we have addressed staff shortages in long-term care
    by enabling staff deployment and the use of infection prevention and control teams.

    We immediately deployed rapid-response health care professionals, opened a portal to
    match workers with vacant positions, launched a Personal Support Worker Return of
    Service program, and provided long-term care homes with interim staffing.

    Addressing systemic staffing challenges

    Facing staffing challenges caused by decades of neglect and underfunding, we have
    launched one of the largest recruitment and training drives in history to deliver on
    our commitment to provide an average of four hours of daily direct care for
    residents. This will make Ontario the Canadian leader in creating a better
    environment for residents and staff.

    To implement our staffing plan, we are making additional annual investments, up to $1.9 billion invested annually by
    2024-25 to create more than 27,000 new long-term care positions for personal support
    workers, registered nurses, and registered practical nurses.

    Protecting staff, residents, and caregivers

    To ensure a steady stream of personal protective equipment (PPE), Ontario launched
    the PPE Supply Program to provide long-term care homes with eight weeks worth of N95
    respirators. We also invested $30 million to allow long-term care homes to hire more
    infection prevention and control staffing, including $20 million for additional
    personnel, and $10 million for staff training.

    Most recently, $1.434 million was invested in the riding’s long-term care homes to
    support further prevention and containment efforts.

    Enhanced testing requirements during the second wave

    There was $398 million recently announced for long-term care homes to reduce the
    risk of the virus entering from the community. This will help homes adhere to
    enhanced staff and visitor testing requirements, and to support costs associated
    with screening, staffing, supplies, and measures necessary to prevent and contain
    outbreaks.

    Ontario’s vaccination plan is underway

    Phase One of Ontario’s vaccine implementation plan continues by ensuring that all
    long-term care home residents, health care workers, and essential caregivers are
    vaccinated. Vaccination has started in Haldimand-Norfolk, and the process moves as
    fast as vaccine availability, which is a federal government responsibility.

    Ontario’s inspection process is the most rigorous in Canada

    As recommended by Ontario’s Auditor General, the Ministry of Long-Term Care uses a
    risk-based inspection program. This allows us to respond to urgent concerns and to
    clear inspection backlogs. This framework ensures every home is inspected at least
    once annually and homes with complaints, critical incidents, or a history of
    non-compliance and other risk factors are subject to extended inspections.

    Inspectors have been essential to monitoring and tracking conditions at our 626
    homes. They have been in regular contact to ensure they are getting what’s required
    related to staff capacity, outbreak status, supply of PPE, and other critical needs.

    There is a growing body of data and research showing that the driving factor of the
    most significant outbreaks was the age of the home. Older homes had more ward beds,
    which made it more difficult to cohort positive and negative residents and contain
    the spread of COVID-19. This is why our government committed $1.75 billion over five
    years in a comprehensive effort to upgrade old beds to modern standards and build
    new beds.

    We have now seen a year of very tough times. I want to thank all frontline health
    care workers at long-term care homes and their hospital partners for working around
    the clock to help stop the spread of the virus.

    Toby Barrett MPP for Haldimand-Norfolk

  6. Toby Barrett Avatar
    Toby Barrett

    Safer at Home Programs provide relief to Ontario families

    Jan. 13, 2021

    SIMCOE — The Ontario government is providing new financial supports for individuals,
    families and small businesses, as they do their part to stop the spread of COVID-19
    and protect the province’s health care system during the Provincewide Shutdown. The
    province is expanding the Support for Learners program to include secondary school
    students and lowering electricity prices to a discounted off-peak rate 24/7 for all
    time-of-use and tiered customers.

    “We are asking people to make greater sacrifices to help contain this deadly virus,
    whether that’s staying home or asking their employees to work from home where
    possible,” said Premier Ford. “In response, our government is providing people and
    businesses with additional financial relief to help them get through this very
    difficult period.”

    In January 2021, students aged 13 through Grade 12 will be eligible for funding
    under an expanded Support for Learners program. Parents or guardians will receive a
    one-time payment of $200 per eligible student to help offset education expenses.
    Support will be available for those who attend a public or private school or who are
    homeschooled.

    This funding is important in rural areas where Internet options are more limited
    and parents could face overage charges.

    As part of the Provincewide Shutdown, elementary students will be studying virtually
    until January 11, 2021. Secondary students in Northern Ontario will be studying
    virtually until January 11, 2021 and secondary students in Southern Ontario will be
    studying virtually until January 25, 2021. This additional funding will provide
    support for families impacted by these recent restrictions
    <https://news.ontario.ca/en/release/59790/ontario-announces-provincewide-shutdown-to-stop-spread-of-covid-19-and-save-lives>.

    While transmission in schools remains low, these approaches will help further limit
    community spread of COVID-19.

    “While Ontario schools remain safe, we won’t take any chances following the holidays
    — we will pivot to teacher-led online learning to help protect against the spread of
    COVID-19 in our communities,” said Minister Lecce. “We are providing direct
    financial support to parents of elementary and now high school children to help them
    get through this pandemic.”

    Application instructions will be available on the Support for Learners web
    page<http://www.ontario.ca/SupportForLearners> starting in January 2021. Secondary
    school student applications will be open from January 11, 2021 to February 8, 2021.
    The application deadline for Support for Learners for children or youth aged 0 to 12
    and for children or youth aged 0 to 21 with special needs is being extended to
    February 8, 2021.

    This support is part of over $900 million in direct financial support that the
    Ministry of Education has provided to parents since the start of the pandemic.
    To support people as they stay home during the Provincewide Shutdown, the government
    will hold electricity prices to the off-peak rate of 8.5 cents per kilowatt-hour for
    all time-of-use and tiered customers on a temporary basis starting January 1, 2021.
    This low rate will be available 24 hours per day, seven days a week for a 28-day
    period. The off-peak price will automatically be applied to bills of all
    residential, small business, and farm customers who pay regulated rates.

    “As we enter a Provincewide Shutdown, our government is ensuring that all households
    have stable and predictable electricity bills when they need it most,” said Greg
    Rickford, Minister of Energy, Northern Development and Mines, Minister of Indigenous
    Affairs. “Staying home means using more electricity, especially during the day when
    electricity prices are usually higher. We will continue to support hardworking
    families and small businesses doing their part by staying home.”

    The province is also making it easier for families and businesses to get the support
    they need to help pay their energy bills through the COVID-19 Energy Assistance
    Program (CEAP)<https://www.ontario.ca/page/find-programs-reduce-electricity-bill>.
    Any residential, small business, or registered charity customer with an overdue
    electricity or natural gas bill will now be eligible to apply. A residential
    customer can receive up to $750 to help cover their electricity bill and an
    additional $750 for their natural gas bill. Small businesses can receive up to $1500
    for each. Newly eligible customers can apply for these enhanced benefits through
    their local utility, starting in January 2021.
    ________________________________
    Quick Facts

    * Ontario’s Action Plan: Protect, Support, Recover provides a total of $13.5
    billion in direct support for families, workers and employers, in addition to
    $11.3 billion in cash flow support.
    * As part of the commitment to keep students safe, the government made available
    $1.3 billion to support the safe reopening of schools – the most robust and
    comprehensive plan in the entire country. This includes an additional $381 million
    from the federal government’s Safe Return to Class Fund.
    * To date, the new Support for Learners program has received almost 1.3 million
    applications and provided more than $175 million in funding to support over
    850,000 children and students since November 30, 2020.
    * According to data reported by school boards as of Friday, December 18:
    approximately 99.64 per cent of students in Ontario have not reported a case of
    COVID-19; approximately 92 per cent of schools across the province have had either
    no cases or one case reported within the last 14 days; and approximately 80 per
    cent of schools do not have a reported case of COVID-19.
    * In March, the government suspended time-of-use electricity rates, holding
    electricity prices to the off-peak rate of 10.1 cents-per-kilowatt-hour 24/7 for
    time-of-use residential, small business, and farm customers for a period of 45
    days.
    * From June 1, 2020 to October 31, 2020, the government introduced a new fixed
    COVID-19 Recovery Rate of 12.8 cents per kilowatt hour to provide relief to
    time-of-use customers.

    ________________________________
    Additional Resources

    * Apply for Support for Learners or get more
    information<http://www.ontario.ca/SupportForLearners>

    For more information, contact me- MPP Toby Barrett at 519-428-0446 or
    toby.barrett@pc.ola.org Please mention The Silo when contacting.

  7. Matthew Patterson Avatar
    Matthew Patterson

    Commonwealth issues joint statement on the COVID-19 pandemic
    16 July 2020

    Commonwealth leaders from all 54 member states have today issued a joint statement on the COVID-19 pandemic and steps that member states are taking to fight the pandemic and to work together in support of each other and broader global efforts.

    Speaking on the release of the Statement, Secretary-General of the Commonwealth the Rt Hon Patricia Scotland, QC said:

    “As the Coronavirus swept through the world spreading in ways we could not have imagined, the Commonwealth can be immensely proud of the way our leaders, governments and institutions have worked together to respond.

    “And we should also be proud of the innovative partnerships and new approaches we have taken to protect our healthcare systems and the well-being of all our people – especially those who are most at risk.

    “For many of our member states the combined social, health and economic impacts of this virus joined with the growing threat of climate change mean they are facing a fight for their very existence.

    “But as we are all impacted by the global pandemic, we must all remain united against pandemic and ensure that the legacy left after its devastating course has run should be one of peace, prosperity and development.

    “This is why we must redouble our commitment to working with our international partners to address COVID-19 and its far-reaching consequences. Because it is only through working together and a continued commitment to multilateralism that we will be able to build resilience, particularly for developing economies and the vulnerable small, developing and least developed, countries so as to ensure no one is left behind.

    “I want to thank all of our member states for their continuing joint commitment to tackle the pandemic and its impacts and to thank the Chair in Office for their support to the Secretariat in preparing this leadership statement on COVID-19.”

    The full Commonwealth COVID-19 joint statement, issued today on behalf of all 54 member states can be found here.

    About the Commonwealth

    The Commonwealth is a voluntary association of 54 independent and sovereign countries. It spans the globe, including both advanced economies and developing countries, in Africa, Asia, the Caribbean and Americas, Europe and the Pacific. Its combined population is 2.4 billion, of which more than 60 per cent is aged under 30.

    The Commonwealth Secretariat supports member countries to build democratic and inclusive institutions, strengthen governance and promote justice and human rights. Our work helps to grow economies and boost trade, deliver national resilience, empower young people, and address threats such as climate change, debt and inequality.

    Website thecommonwealth.org
    Join the conversation Tweets by @commonwealthsec #Commonwealth

  8. Bobbi-Ann Avatar
    Bobbi-Ann

    Ontario and Canada’s Response: helping small businesses go digital

    $57 Million investment in Digital Main Street will help businesses reopen, recover and grow long after COVID-19

    TORONTO — The Ontario government, in partnership with the federal government, is
    helping small businesses reach more customers through the Digital Main Street
    platform.

    This $57-million program which will help up to 22,900 Ontario businesses create and
    enhance their online presence and generate jobs for more than 1,400 students.

    The new program was unveiled today by Prabmeet Sarkaria, Associate Minister of Small
    Business and Red Tape Reduction, joined by Mélanie Joly, Minister of Economic
    Development and Official Languages and Minister responsible for the Federal Economic
    Development Agency for Southern Ontario.

    “Ontario’s small businesses are the backbone of our economy, and their recovery is
    critical to Ontario’s recovery,” said Minister Sarkaria. “As thousands of small
    businesses across the province closed their doors and halted business during the
    COVID-19 outbreak, many struggled to shift sales or services online. I am very
    pleased, that together with Minister Joly and our federal partners, we are providing
    small businesses with the tools they need to recover, and flourish, as Ontario
    reopens.”

    “This program can assist businesses in Haldimand and Norfolk up their digital
    presence to come out of the pandemic stronger,” said Haldimand-Norfolk MPP Toby
    Barrett.

    Through the $57-million contribution to the Digital Main
    Street
    platform, businesses will be able to take advantage of three new programs to support
    their digital transformation:

    * shopHERE powered by Google will leverage Ontario’s strengths by hiring highly
    skilled and trained students to build and support the launch of online stores for
    businesses that previously did not have the capacity to do so themselves. The core
    goal will be to help small businesses compete and grow, in a world that is
    increasingly online, and help them recover as quickly as possible following
    COVID-19.

    * Digital Main Street Grant will help main street small businesses be digitally
    more effective. Through a $2,500 grant administered by the Ontario BIA
    Association, small businesses will be able to adopt new technologies and embrace
    digital marketing. Municipalities, Chambers of Commerce, and Business Improvement
    Areas (BIAs) can apply for a Digital Service Squad grant, which will allow them to
    establish teams to provide personalized, one-on-one support.

    * Future-Proofing Main Street will provide specialized and in-depth digital
    transformation services and support that helps existing main-street firms adapt to
    changes in their sector and thrive in the new economy. By leveraging teams of
    digital marketing professionals and talented students, these firms will be able to
    create new online business models, develop and implement digital and e-commerce
    marketing strategies, and maximize digital tools, platforms and content.

    “As local economies across Ontario reopen, we’re focused on ensuring that our main
    streets don’t just survive, but thrive,” said Mélanie Joly, Canada’s Minister of
    Economic Development and Official Languages and Minister responsible for the Federal
    Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario.”These businesses are the backbone
    of our economy, a source of local jobs – and local pride. Thanks to the expanded
    Digital Main Street platform, they’ll be able to expand their offerings and take
    advantage of more and more people shopping online. Our message to Ontario’s small
    businesses and those whose livelihoods rely on them is clear: we’re working with you
    to support good jobs and help our economy come back stronger than ever.”

    “The global marketplace is rapidly changing, and in order to compete and succeed
    Ontario must adapt,” said Vic Fedeli, Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation
    and Trade. “By using innovative tools and technologies, Digital Main Street will
    help our businesses in expanding their reach to meet new markets and adjust to the
    new realities of doing business during the pandemic and into the next phase of
    economic recovery.”

    About 60 percent of Ontario’s small enterprises have a website, and only seven
    percent have an online payment solution. Digitally, Canadian businesses are
    estimated to be two years behind their U.S. counterparts.

    In response, the Ontario government is providing significant support to small
    business. Along with the Digital Main
    Street
    platform, the province is investing an additional $150 million in rural broadband
    which will help open the digital road for many Ontario small businesses. In
    addition, the province has proposed a ban on commercial evictions to help businesses
    that have been impacted by restrictions due to COVID-19.

    Quick Facts

    * The Ontario Government reduced the small business Corporate Income Tax rate by
    8.7 percent starting January 1, 2020. This will deliver up to $1,500 in annual
    savings to more than 275,000 businesses.
    * Ontario’s Small Business Success Strategy, launched prior to COVID-19,
    identified the need for small businesses across the province to build or enhance
    their online presence to remain competitive and expand their markets. The 2020
    pandemic has further reinforced the need for Ontario small businesses to embrace
    digital tools, including having online storefronts and expanding them.
    * To further support small businesses with physical storefronts impacted by
    COVID-19 restrictions, Ontario is Proposing a Temporary Ban on Commercial
    Evictions.
    * The planned expansion of these Digital Main Street programs, including
    ShopHERE powered by Google and the Future-Proofing Main Street program, are the
    next evolution in efforts to help businesses embrace digital tools that began with
    the City of Toronto. Through the leadership of Mayor John Tory and the City of
    Toronto, the Toronto Association of Business Improvement Areas (TABIA) pioneered
    the creation of Digital Main Street and laid the foundation for it to be expanded
    and scaled-up to serve businesses across the province.
    * The expansion of the Toronto Association of Business Improvement Areas’
    (TABIA) Digital Main Street platform and program is delivered by the Ontario
    Business Improvement Area Association (OBIAA) with the financial support of the
    provincial and federal governments.
    * shopHERE is a Digital Main Street program operated by TABIA. TABIA will also
    support the delivery of the Future-Proofing Main Street program, along with
    Communitech and Invest Ottawa.
    * The Recovery Activation Program is operated by the Toronto Region Board of Trade.

    Background Information

    * Stakeholder Response to Digital Main
    Street

    Additional Resources

    * For more information on the Digital Main Street, go to:
    digitalmainstreet.ca/ontario

    * Visit Ontario.ca/reopen for more information on economic
    reopening
    * Learn more about A Framework for Reopening our Province: Stage
    1
    * Find more Resources to prevent COVID-19 in the
    workplace
    * Tell us about the economic impacts of the COVID-19
    outbreak
    * See how Ontario is Improving Broadband and Cell Service for Rural
    Communities

    For more information, contact MPP Toby Barrett at 519-428-0446 or
    toby.barrett@pc.ola.org

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