Amidst the current stay at home order in effect throughout the province, Friday marks one year since Thunder Bay Mayor Bill Mauro declared a state of emergency in the city due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The declaration, which is still in place, was made by Mauro at 2:00 p.m. on April 23 to allow the corporation the ability to re-deploy or reassign employees as required, in addition to access more resources and funding from the province to address COVID-19.
“It was unknown at that time if we would be experiencing staffing shortages in city services, for example in long term care homes,” Mauro said. “If you needed staff there, the declaration was required by the province through their legislation to circumvent the collective bargaining agreements.”
In the province’s Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act the head of council is allowed to make the declaration and implement the emergency plan to protect the health and safety of the population.
In the released statement from that day, City Manager Norm Gale added that any redeployment would be done in consultation with union leadership.
“The City of Thunder Bay appreciates the support of the union groups representing its employees through the COVID-19 emergency response and will continue to work through them collaboratively when reassigning staff or making other adjustments as required,” he said. “Our positive, respectful relationship is a priority.”
Case Count On April 23, 2020
Ontario – 634 (seven day average was 560)
Thunder Bay District Health Unit – 5
Northwestern Health Unit – 16
Case Count on April 22, 2021
Ontario – 3,682 (seven day average of 4,176)
Thunder Bay District Health Unit – 11
Northwestern Health Unit – 12
With files from Colin Redston
