Thunder Bay is declaring a state of emergency because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Mayor Bill Mauro gave the order today and it took effect at 2 pm.
“Today I am declaring a state of emergency for the City of Thunder Bay in response to the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Mayor Mauro. “These are difficult times. As the public health response continues to evolve, with additional testing and enhanced screening, pressures increase on us as a Corporation to meet our staffing requirements. As a result, we need to have available to us all the tools that will allow us to continue critical and essential services to our residents.”
Mauro received a letter from Steve Clark, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing, dated April 16, advising that municipalities must make a declaration of emergency to have flexibility during the emergency to redeploy or reassign staff as required.
“The declaration is required by the Province in order to give us flexibility to redeploy employees, notwithstanding agreements that may be in place. I have reached out to union leaders to express to them that this declaration is necessary to give force to the Provincial order.”
The declaration also lets the city access more resources and funding from the province.
City Manager Norm Gale adds that any redeployment will 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.”
Mauro said the declaration is also important because people must be more vigilant than ever.
“With this declaration of emergency, I am also sending a strong and clear signal that COVID-19 is a threat to the people of Thunder Bay. Everyone must do their part to prevent the spread of this deadly virus. Public Health has said we have benefitted as a community from the actions we have already taken to cease non-essential services. We must do even more to keep ourselves safe and prevent spread. Stay home, stay safe, Thunder Bay.”
