Town of Bracebridge Council Correspondence

{GIXD1\ Town of Bracebridge ~ BRACEBRIDGE Council Correspondence The Heart of Muskoka

TO: Mayor G. Smith and Members of Town Council J. Sisson, Chief Administrative Officer

COPY: Management Team Media

FROM: L. McDonald, Director of Corporate Services/Clerk

DATE: June 24, 2020

CIRCULATION:

Item # Description SECTION “A” – STAFF INFORMATION MEMOS: A1 Nil. SECTION “B” – GENERAL CORRESPONDENCE: Correspondence from Diane Kennedy, Director, and Paul Sisson, President, Muskoka Pioneer B1 Power Association, dated March 5, 2020, regarding Former Bracebridge Retired Firefighters Association Building and Property at J.D. Lang Activity Park. Correspondence from Christopher Abram, Chair, Board of Directors, St. John Ambulance – B2 Barrie-Simcoe-Muskoka Branch, dated June 15, 2020 regarding Proclaiming St. John Ambulance Week – June 21-27th, 2020. Resolution from Cheryl Mortimer, Clerk, Township of Muskoka Lakes, dated June 15, 2020, B3 regarding High Speed Internet Connectivity in Rural Ontario. Resolution from Carrie Sykes, Director of Corporate Services/Clerk, Township of Lake of Bays, B4 dated June 17, 2020, regarding High Speed Internet Connectivity in Rural Ontario. Resolution from Carrie Sykes, Director of Corporate Services/Clerk, Township of Lake of Bays, B5 dated June 17, 2020, regarding Basic Income for Income Security during COVID-19 Pandemic and Beyond. Resolution from Jerri-Lynn Levitt, Deputy Clerk, Council and Legislative Services, Municipality B6 of Grey Highlands, dated June 18, 2020, regarding Universal Basic Income. Resolution from Jeanne Harfield, Clerk, Municipality of Mississippi Mills, dated June 19, 2020, B7 regarding Support for Rural Broadband. Correspondence from Todd Coles, City Clerk, City of Vaughan, dated June 22, 2020, B8 regarding The Establishment of a Municipal Financial Assistance Program to Offset the Financial Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic.

Page 1. Muskoka Pioneer Power Association P.O. Box 2256 Bracebridge, Onta rio PlL 1W2

March 5, 2020

Mr. Mathew Gower, Assistant Municipal Clerk, Land Agreement Co-ordinator, Town of Bracebridge, 1000 Taylor Court, Bracebridge, Ontario PlL 1R6

Re: Muskoka Pioneer Power Association's interest in building and property of former Bracebridge Retired Firefighters Association at J. D. Lang Activity Park.

At present the Muskoka Pioneer Power Association owns and operates eight buildings, all near each other at the park. The above noted structure is within 30 meters of our Antique Village and would greatly enhance our property. Our Club solely supplies and donates the personnel and time required to adequately manicure the grass area of the park.

Lakeland Power Generation has a circa 1905 original hydro generator from the generating plant at Bracebridge Falls. This piece of local history, along with a few other local power generating artifacts would be donated to Muskoka Pioneer Power. With the acquisition of the Fire Hall it would become a static display/museum of Bracebridge history of power generation.

Projects such as this would certainly enhance our Antique Village, attracting more visitors to the Bracebridge area during our Annual Show in July and other events we hold in the summer months.

ReJc:1: S~ted by Diane Kennedy, ~ Paul Sisson, President cc: Mayor Graydon Smith

St. John Ambulance

SAVI NG LIVES at work, home and play

15 June 2020

Good day Your Worship:

Traditionally, St. John Ambulance’s Barrie Simcoe Muskoka Branch has conducted its annual Flag Raising with you or a member of your Council during St. John Ambulance Week. This year it would have taken place during the week of 21 June 2020.

This event has been a way of publicizing and celebrating the support that we give communities through our Medical First Response Units, Therapy Dog Programs, Car Seat Educators, and Youth Volunteer programs. However, due to the COVID-19 restrictions in effect and in order to ensure that the health and safety of anyone taking part is respected and maintained, we will not be conducting a Flag Raising with you this year. Instead, we would like to ask you to proclaim the week of 21 - 27 June 2020 as St. John Ambulance Week in your municipality via your website.

We greatly appreciate your ongoing support, and our volunteers within your community look forward to their continued service in the support of our mission to help those in need.

Yours in St. John,

Christopher Abram, MStJ, CD, MA Chair, Board of Directors Barrie-Simcoe-Muskoka Branch St. John Ambulance

Barrie Simcoe Muskoka Branch | 80 Bradford Street Suite 400, Barrie ON Canada L4N 5A4 Tel: (705) 726-0991 | Fax: (705) 726-3246 | Email: [email protected]

Charitable Registration No.: 10802 2237 RR0001

St. John Ambulance is an international humanitarian organization and is a foundation of the Order of St. John St• John TOWNSHIP OF P.O. Box 129, 1 Bailey Street, Port Carling, Ontario POB 1JO Website:www.muskokalakes.ca Phone: 705-765-3156 Fax: 705-765-6755

June 15, 2020

Township of Armour 56 Ontario Street PO Box 533 Burk's Falls, ON P0A 1C0

Re: Support Resolution - High Speed Internet Connectivity in Rural Ontario

Dear Ms. Watt,

Please be advised that at the meeting of Committee of the Whole held on May 1, 2020, the following resolution was passed and subsequently ratified by Council on May 13, 2020.

"Resolution Number COW-4-01/05/20

Moved By: Councillor Zavitz Seconded By: Councillor Kelley

Be it resolved t.hat the Committee of the Whole recommend to Township Council that the Township of Muskoka Lakes supports the April 28, 2020 Township of Armour resolution #6 in support of the need to make substantial investments in high speed internet connectivity in rural areas.

An further, that this resolution be circulated to MP Scott Aitchison, Parry Sound-Muskoka, MPP Norm Miller, Parry-Sound Muskoka, .and all other municipalities in the District Municipality of Muskoka.

Carried."

For your reference, please find attached a copy of the above noted resolution and the April 28, 2020 Township of Armour resolution # 6.

Thank you for your attention to this matter.

Cheryl Mortimer, AMCTO Clerk cc. Scott Aitchison, MP Parry Sound - Muskoka, Norm Miller, MPP, Parry Sound - Muskoka District Municipality of Muskoka, Lower Tier Muskoka Municipalities

Encl /kb COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE MEETING Agenda Item 6.b.

Date: May 01, 2020 cow-_±_.____ -011os120 MOVED BY: Councillor Zavitz

SECONDED BY: Councillor Kelley

Be it resolved that the Committee of the Whole recommend to Township Council that the Township of Muskoka Lakes supports the April 28, 2020 Township of Armour resolution #6 in support of the need to make substantial investments in high speed internet connectivity in rural areas.

And further, that this resolution be circulated to MP Scott Aitchison, Parry Sound-Muskoka, MPP Norm Miller, Parry-Sound Muskoka, and all other municipalities in the District Municipality of Muskoka.

RECORDED VOTE: NAYS YEAS

COUNCILLOR BRIDGEMAN D D COUNCILLOR EDWARDS (Deputy Mayor) D D COUNCILLOR HAYES (Acting Deputy Mayor) □ □ COUNCILLOR JAGLOWITZ □ □ COUNCILLOR KELLEY □ D COUNCILLOR MAZAN □ D COUNCILLOR NISHIKAWA □ □ COUNCILLOR ROBERTS D □ COUNCILLOR ZAVITZ D D MAYOR HARDING □ □

D~ TOTALS CA~R~ - Recorded Vote Requested by: / CHAIR / DISTRICT OF PARRY SOUND 56 ONTARIO STREET (705) 382-3332 PO BOX 533 (705) 382-2954 BURK'S FALLS, ON Fax: (705) 382-2068 POA lCO Email: [email protected] Website: www.armourtownship.ca

April 29, 2020

Honourable Doug Ford Premier of Ontario Legislative Building Queen's Park Toronto, ON M7A 1A1

Re: Support Resolution - High Speed Internet Connectivity in Rural Ontario

At its meeting held on April 28, 2020, the Council of the Township of Armour passed Resolution #6 supporting our Councillor Rod Ward's letter regarding the need to make substantial investments in high-speed internet connectivity in the rural areas of Ontario.

A copy of Council's Resolution #6 dated April 28, 2020 and Councillor Ward's letter is attached for your consideration.

Sincerely,

Charlene Watt Deputy Clerk

Cc: MPP Norm Miller, MP Scott Aitchison and Ontario Municipalities

Enclosures CORPORATION OF THE TOWNSHIP OF ARMOUR

RESOLUTION

Date: April 28, 2020 Motion# _ ___;___..;:__0,

That the Council of the Township of Armour supports the letter, dated April 15, 2020 from Councillor Rod Ward, on the need to make substantial investments in high-speed internet connectivity in rural areas. Furthermore, that this resolution and the letter be circulated to Scott Aitchison, MP for Parry Sound-Muskoka, Norm Miller, MPP for Parry Sound-Muskoka and all Ontario municipalities requesting their support.

Moved by: Blakelock, Rod ~/ Seconded by: Blakelock, Rod

Brandt, Jerry w,i Brandt, Jerry MacPhail, Bob □ MacPhail, Bob Ward, Rod □ Ward, Rod W;;;e~d;efea:d Sjltill:;;2

Declaration of Pecuniary Interest by:

Recorded vote requested by:

Recorded Vote: For Opposed Blakelock, Rod □ □ Brandt, Jerry □ □ MacPhail, Bob □ □ Ward, Rod □ □ Whitwell, Wendy □ □ April 15, 2020

To whom it may concern,

The COVID-19 pandemic in Ontario has highlighted both our positive responses to a crisis, and some definite shortcomings in infrastructure, systems and services which need to be addressed on a long-term basis. Setting priority on solving these issues will be a challenge, given the differing agendas and the strained budgets. Solving fundamental issues should focus on the most basic needs as a starting point. One of the clear needs in a rural community such as the Almaguin Highlands, highlighted further by recent events, is the need for proper high-speed internet connectivity. Healthcare and education are both going down a path where appropriate connectivity is assumed. Like many models that move outward from metropolitan areas, this assumption is lost on rural areas. For the vast majority of households in our community, true high-speed connectivity simply does not exist. For the vast majority of future strategies in healthcare and education, there is an assumption that it does exist.

Even in areas in the Almaguin Highlands which have 'high-speed' internet, the overall infrastructure is still limited. It is certainly not designed to deal with a sudden huge peak in demand. Whereas the capacity in large urban centres is built to handle the added throughput, there are clear limitations here. The best way to explain it is a comparison to hydro. Imagine if everyone went home at the same time and turned their lights on, but because there wasn't enough hydro capacity overall, all lights were 50% dimmer than normal and some appliances simply didn't work. We no longer have to imagine what happens with internet speed during peak usage. Suddenly during the COVID pandemic, people are working from home who have never worked from home. Kids are trying to do courses on-line. People who are not working are turning on-line to stay connected. Video-conferencing, which was a totally foreign concept to many, is now part of daily routine. Any idea how much internet bandwidth video uses? It's no wonder we hit a wall.

The future of healthcare sees patients being monitored and cared for in their own homes, through the use of technology. The future of education sees students doing much of their learning on-line. The future of business and commerce sees the ability to function outside the 'bricks and mortar' of an office location. Malls disappear and on-line shopping is the norm. For some, that future has already arrived. Our area has already been drastically affected by cutbacks in the area of healthcare and education through gradual decreases in budgets and services. Technology offers us the ability to level the playing field to a great extent. High-speed connectivity cannot be seen as a luxury or a nice-to-have, any more than hydro should be seen that way. In order to solve some other problems (i.e. skyrocketing budgets in healthcare and education) the wise investment is in providing connectivity for every resident in the province.

Rod Ward Councillor Armour Township LAKE T 705-635 -2272 TOWNSHIP OF LAKE OF BAYS TF 1-877 · 566-0005 1012 Dwight Beach Rd OF BAYS F 705-635-2132 Dwight, ON P0A lH0 • • MUSKOKA •

June 17, 2020

Honourable Doug Ford Premier of Ontario Legisltative Building Queen's Park Toronto, ON M7A 1A1

Dear Premier Ford:

RE: Letter of Support for High Speed Internet Connectivity in Rural Ontario

On behalf of the Council of the Corporation of the Township of Lake of Bays, this is to advise you that the following resolution was adopted by Council at its meeting held on June 16, 2020.

"Resolution #6(b)/06/16/20

BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Council of the Corporation of the Township of Lake of Bays supports the attached resolution from the Township of Armour requesting support for High Speed Internet Connectivity in Rural Ontario; and

FURTHER that this resolution be circulated to Scott Aitchison, MP for Parry Sound-Muskoka and Norm Miller, MPP for Parry Sound-Muskoka and all Ontario municipalities requesting their support.

Carried."

For your reference, enclosed is a copy of the correspondence that was sent from the Township of Armour dated April 29, 2020.

Should you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact our Municipal Office at 705-635-2272.

Sincerely,

S, Dip/. M.A., CMO, AOMC, Corporate Services/Clerk.

Encl. CS/cw cc. Scott Aitchison, M.P for Parry Sound-Muskoka Norm Miller, M.P.P for Parry Sound-Muskoka Ontario Municipalities ~ .,. .--;;-: ,, 100 LAKES TO EXPLORE -·:· . ~,... ;~a. '

DISTRICT OF PARRY SOUND

56 ONTARIO STREET (705) 382-3332 PO BOX 533 (705) 382-2954 BURK’S FALLS, ON Fax: (705) 382-2068 P0A 1C0 Email: [email protected] Website: www.armourtownship.ca

April 29, 2020

Honourable Doug Ford Premier of Ontario Legislative Building Queen’s Park Toronto, ON M7A 1A1

Re: Support Resolution - High Speed Internet Connectivity in Rural Ontario

At its meeting held on April 28, 2020, the Council of the Township of Armour passed Resolution #6 supporting our Councillor Rod Ward’s letter regarding the need to make substantial investments in high-speed internet connectivity in the rural areas of Ontario.

A copy of Council’s Resolution #6 dated April 28, 2020 and Councillor Ward’s letter is attached for your consideration.

Sincerely,

Charlene Watt Deputy Clerk

Cc: MPP Norm Miller, MP Scott Aitchison and Ontario Municipalities

Enclosures CORPORATION OF THE TOWNSHIP OF ARMOUR

RESOLUTION

Date: April 28, 2020 Motion# -----'--0,

Moved by: Blakelock, Rod ~/ Seconded by: Blakelock, Rod Brandt, Jerry Brandt, Jerry MacPhail, Bob □ MacPhail, Bob Ward , Rod □ Ward, Rod Whitwell, Wendy □ Whitwell

~/ Defeated

Declaration of Pecuniary Interest by:

Recorded vote requested by:

Recorded Vote: For Opposed Blakelock, Rod □ □ Brandt, Jerry □ □ MacPhail, Bob D □ Ward, Rod □ □ Whitwell, Wendy □ □ April 15, 2020

To whom it may concern,

Rod Ward Councillor Armour Township T 705-635-2272 TOWNSHIP OF LAKEOF BAYS OFLAKE TF 1-877-566-0005 1012 Dwight Beach Rd • BAYS F 705-635-2132 Dwight, ON POA lHO • • MUSl

June 17, 2020

The Right Honourable Justin Trudeau, P.C., MP Prime Minister of Canada Office of the Prime Minister 80 Wellington Street Ottawa, ON K1A 0A2

The Honourable Chrystia Freeland, P.C., M.P. Deputy Prime Minister Privy Council Office Room 1000 80 Sparks Street Ottawa, ON K1A 0A3

The Honourable Bill Morneau, P.C., M.P. Minister of Finance 90 Elgin Street, 1 7th Floor Ottawa, ON K1A 0GS

Dear Prime Minister Trudeau, Deputy Prime Minister Freeland and Minister Morneau:

RE: Letter of Supportfor Basic Income for Income Security during COVID-19 Pandemic and Beyond

On behalf of the Council of the Corporation of the Township of Lake of Bays, this is to advise you that the following resolution was adopted by Council at its meeting held on June 16, 2020.

"Resolution #6(a)/06/16/20

WHEREAS the Council of the Corporation of the Township of Lake of Bays receives correspondence from Anita Dubeau, Chair, Board of Health, Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit, dated May 20, 2020 regarding Basic Income for Income Security during COVID-19 Pandemic and Beyond;

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT Council supports the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit's call to the Federal Government for the evolution of the Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB) into a

~ 100 LAKES TO EXPLORE LAKE T 705-635-2272 TOWNSHIP OF LAKE OF BAYS TF 1-877-566-0005 1012 Dwight Beach Rd OF BAYS F 705-635 -2132 Dwight, ON P0A lH0 • • MUSKOKA •

basic income for all Canadians, during the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond as an effective long-term response to the problems of income security, persistent poverty and household food insecurity.

Carried."

For your reference, enclosed is a copy of the correspondence that was sent from the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit dated May 20, 2020.

Should you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact our Municipal Office at 705-635-2272.

Sincerely,

~~/. M.A., GMO, AOMC, Director of Corporate Services/Clerk.

Encl. CS/cw cc. Hon. Doug Ford, Premier of Ontario Simcoe and Muskoka MPs and MPPs Simcoe Muskoka Municipal Councils Association of Local Public Health Agencies Ontario Public Health Association Ontario Boards of Health

100 LAKES TO EXPLORE Simcoe muskoka ~ DISIBICT HEAI..Tll UNIT

May 20, 2020

The Right Honourable Justin Trudeau, P.C., MP Prime Minister of Canada Office of the Prime Minister 80 Wellington Street Ottawa, ON K1A 0A2

The Honourable Chrystia Freeland, P.C., M.P. Deputy Prime Minister Privy Council Office Room 1000 80 Sparks Street Ottawa, ON K1A 0A3

The Honourable Bill Morneau, P.C., M.P. Minister of Finance 90 Elgin Street, 17th Floor Ottawa, ON K1A 0G5

Dear Prime Minister Trudeau, Deputy Prime Minister Freeland and Minister Morneau:

Re: Basic Income for Income Security during Covid-19 Pandemic and Beyond

On behalf of the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit (SMDHU) Board of Health, I am writing to convey our strong support for the evolution of the Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB) into a basic income for all Canadians, during the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond.

While we commend the federal government for the economic measures that have been put into place to support Canadians during this unprecedented time of the COVID-19 pandemic, we also know that many are falling through the cracks. Measures such as the CERB, the Canada Emergency Student Benefit (CESB) and the Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy (CEWS), though necessary and very important, have left many Canadians, who do not qualify for or not able to access these programs, vulnerable to household food insecurity and the negative consequences of income insecurity and poverty such as inadequate or unstable housing, and poorer mental and physical health, including chronic diseases. A basic income would address these gaps, offering support to the most vulnerable Canadians.

Before the COVID-19 pandemic, many Canadians were already experiencing household food insecurity. In 2017-18 approximately 4.4-million (1 in 8) Canadians reported being food insecure, including 1.2 million children under the age of 18.i As a result of COVID-19, this number is predicted to increase as many individuals are facing precarious employment, have had their hours reduced or have lost their jobs altogether. Many are relying on food banks and other charitable programs, however, this only meets the need on a temporary basis and is not a long term solution.

0 Barrie: 0 Collingwood: 0 Cookstown: 0 Gravenhurst: 0 Huntsville: 0 Midland: O Orillia: 15 Sperling Drive 280 Pretty River Pkwy. 2-25 King Street S. 2-5 Pineridge Gate 34 Chaffey St. A-925 Hugel Ave. 120-169 Front St. S. Barrie, ON Collingwood, ON Cookstown, ON Gravenhurst. ON Huntsville, ON Midland.ON Orillia, ON L4M 6K9 L9Y 4J5 L0L 1L0 P1P 123 P1H 1K1 L4R 1X8 L3V4S8 705-721-7520 705-445-0804 705-458-1103 705-684-9090 705-789-8813 705-526-9324 705-325-9565 FAX: 705-721-1495 FAX: 705-445-6498 FAX: 705-458-0105 FAX: 705-684-9887 FAX: 705-789-7245 FAX:705-526-1513 FAX: 705-325-2091

Your Health Connection

Examples of key Canadian initiatives that demonstrate the positive impact of basic income-like programs on health and well-being include the Old Age Security and Guaranteed Income Supplement through Canada’s public pension system, the Canada Child Benefit, and the Newfoundland Poverty Reduction Strategy.

Basic income pilots for working-age adults in Canada have also led to promising findings, including the Mincome pilot in Manitoba and the recent Ontario Basic Income Pilot. The research study, Southern Ontario’s Basic Income Experience released in March 2020, is based on Ontario’s pilot. This pilot was implemented in three Ontario cities in 2018 by the provincial government, and the project was terminated in 2019 following a change in government. While the formal pilot evaluation was cancelled, this research study made use of surveys of individuals from Hamilton, Brantford and Brant County who had been enrolled in the pilot (217 individuals participated out of 1000 enrolled households), and interviews with 40 participants. Some of the key findings cited by participants in this report include improvements in physical and mental health; increased labour market participation; moving to higher paying and more secure jobs; reduced household food insecurity; housing stability; improved financial status and social relationships; less frequent visits to health practitioners and hospital emergency rooms; improved living standards; and an improved sense of self-worth and hope for a better future.

Additional evidence supporting the potential of a basic income for reducing the prevalence and severity of household food insecurity is presented in: Implications of a Basic Income Guarantee for Household Food Insecurity, a research paper prepared for the Northern Policy Institute based on the Ontario Basic Income Pilot.

Moving forward during and following the COVID-19 pandemic is an opportune time for the federal government to take action to evolve the CERB into a basic income. This would provide income security to all Canadians during the economic challenges of the pandemic itself, the post-pandemic recovery, and into the future. This is particularly pertinent given the dramatic shifts in the labour market in recent decades, such that full-time permanent employment is no longer the norm. The current CERB has helped demonstrate the logistical feasibility of delivering a basic income, and it could be readily evolved into an ongoing basic income for anyone who falls below a certain income floor. There is evidence of growing support for this concept, as outlined in Appendix A. The Basic Income Canada Network has outlined key features of basic income design for Canada, which we support.

The SMDHU has been a strong proponent of basic income repeatedly since 2015. This includes having sponsored a resolution at the Association of Local Public Health Agencies (alPHa) general meeting endorsing the concept of basic income and requesting the federal and provincial governments jointly consider and investigate a basic income policy option for reducing poverty and income insecurity (2015), and expressing support and input into the Ontario Basic Income Pilot (2017). SMDHU has also been encouraging advocacy for income solutions to household food insecurity through our No Money for Food is Cent$less initiative since 2017.

In keeping with this, we strongly recommend your government take swift and immediate action on the evolution of the CERB Benefit into legislation for a basic income as an effective long-term response to the problems of income insecurity, persistent poverty and household food insecurity, as well as a response to the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Sincerely,

ORIGINAL Signed By:

Anita Dubeau Chair, Board of Health

AD:CS:cm

Encl. (1) cc. Hon. Doug Ford, Premier of Ontario Simcoe and Muskoka MPs and MPPs Simcoe Muskoka Municipal Councils Association of Local Public Health Agencies Ontario Public Health Association Ontario Boards of Health

Appendix A: Examples of Support for Basic Income in Response to COVID-19 and Beyond On April 21, 2020, 50 members of Canada’s Senate wrote a letter to the federal government calling for a restructuring of the CERB into a minimum basic income to “ensure greater social and economic equity”, especially for those who are most vulnerable. In support of this letter, Senator McPhedran’s Youth Advisory Council, the Canadian Council of Young Feminists, in collaboration with the Basic Income Canada Youth Network, sent their own letter to the federal government.

In our region, Simcoe North MP Bruce Stanton has expressed agreement that it’s time to consider basic income. He is quoted as saying “Based on my reading of this, like Senator Boniface, I am persuaded that it could be very good public policy” (News Story).

The Ontario Dietitians’ of Public Health (ODPH) have also written a letter to the federal government stating “We ask that you take immediate action to enact legislation for a basic income guarantee as an effective long-term response to the problem of persistent poverty and household food insecurity as well as shorter-term consequences of the economic fallout of the COVID-19 pandemic”.

The Board of Health of the Kingston, Frontenac, Lennox and Addington Health Unit in Ontario also passed a motion requesting the federal government to provide a basic income support to all Canadians (News Story).

P a g e | 1

June 18, 2020

RE: Universal Basic Income Resolution

Please be advised that the Council of the Municipality of Grey Highlands, at its meeting held June 17, 2020, passed the following resolution:

2020-438 Moved by Cathy Little, Seconded by Aakash Desai

Whereas the World Health Organization on March 11, 2020 declared COVID-19 a pandemic, pointing to the growing number of cases of the coronavirus illness around the world and the sustained risk of further global spread; and

Whereas in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Province of Ontario and the Municipality of Grey Highlands have declared a state of emergency under the Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act; and

Whereas, to help reduce the financial strain on its citizens and businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic, the Municipality of Grey Highlands has approved disbursement of funds to local food banks and redirection of Community Grant Program funds to local community organizations providing relief to Grey Highlands residents in crisis; and

Whereas Statistics Canada has reported that the unemployment rate has risen to 13.7 per cent in Canada and 13.6 per cent in Ontario in May 2020; and that the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted the employment of 3.1 million Canadians from February to April; and that lower-wage earners, women and students are being impacted disproportionately; and

Whereas the Federal government has announced $82 billion in relief funding for the COVID-19 Economic Response Plan, utilizing tax deferrals, subsidies, loans, and credits to support citizens, businesses, and industries; and

Whereas according to a 2018 Parliamentary Budget Office report, a Canada-wide basic income of the type previously piloted in Ontario would have an annual net cost of $44 billion; and

The Municipality of Grey Highlands  206 Toronto Street South, Unit One P.O. Box 409 Markdale, Ontario N0C 1H0 519-986-2811 Toll-Free 1-888-342-4059 Fax 519-986-3643  www.greyhighlands.ca  [email protected] P a g e | 2

Whereas a basic income ensures everyone an income sufficient to meet basic needs and live with dignity, regardless of work status; and

Whereas a basic income has the potential to improve individual physical and mental health, labour market participation, food security, housing stability, financial status and social relationships and generally raise the standard of living for vulnerable members of society; and

Whereas a universal basic income would likely have many positive societal effects, including reducing poverty, reducing strain on health care and social assistance systems, supporting businesses and the economy, reducing crime, as well as reducing administrative complexity and creating efficiencies for those in need of financial and economic support measures; now

Therefore, be it resolved that the Council of the Municipality of Grey Highlands urges the Ontario Provincial government and the Federal government to work together to investigate the feasibility of implementing a universal basic income program; and

That this resolution be forwarded to the Right Honourable Prime Minister of Canada; the Honourable Premier of Ontario; the Minister of Children, Community and Social Services; the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing; Ministry for Seniors and Accessibility; the Association of Municipalities of Ontario; local MPPs and MPs; The County of Grey; all Municipalities with the Province of Ontario; and the Federation of Canadian Municipalities. CARRIED.

As per the above resolution, please accept a copy of this correspondence for your information and consideration.

Sincerely,

Jerri-Lynn Levitt Deputy Clerk Council and Legislative Services Municipality of Grey Highlands

CORPORATION OF THE MUNICIPALITY OF MISSISSIPPI MILLS

3131 OLD PERTH ROAD  PO BOX 400  RR 2  ALMONTE ON  K0A 1A0

PHONE: 613-256-2064 FAX: 613-256-4887 WEBSITE: www.mississippimills.ca

VIA E-MAIL

June 19, 2020

Hon. Doug Ford Premier of Ontario [email protected]

Hon. Steve Clark Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing [email protected]

Hon. Vic Fedeli Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade [email protected]

Hon. Lisa MacLeod Minister of Heritage, Sport, Tourism and Culture Industries [email protected]

Hon. Stephen Lecce Minister of Education [email protected]

Hon. Laurie Scott Minister of Infrastructure [email protected]

Dear Premier and Ministers,

RE: Support for Rural Broadband

On behalf of the Council of the Corporation of the Municipality of Mississippi Mills, this is to advise you that the following resolution was adopted by Council at its meeting held on June 16, 2020.

Resolution No. 246-20 Moved by Councillor Maydan Seconded by Councillor Dalgity

WHEREAS in December 2016 the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission declared broadband internet an essential service for Canadians; AND WHEREAS access to internet in many rural communities in Ontario is limited or non-existent;

AND WHEREAS current broadband investment projects across Ontario will still leave many residents unserved;

AND WHEREAS the COVID-19 pandemic has underscored the digital divide leaving many rural residents unable to participate in e-commerce, online schooling, are unable to move businesses online or access healthcare and other services online;

AND WHEREAS communities and municipalities are developing economic recovery plans;

AND WHEREAS there may be potential federal and provincial funding for shovel- ready infrastructure programs to kick-start the economy;

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Municipality of Mississippi Mills calls on the provincial and federal governments to include rural broadband investment as part of the economic recovery shovel-ready projects for municipalities;

AND THAT Council direct staff to circulate this resolution to the Prime Minister of Canada; the Federal Minister of Rural Economic Development; the Federal Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry; the Federal Minister of Economic Development; the Minister of Infrastructure and Communities; the Federal Minister of Health; the Premier of Ontario; the Minister of Municipal Affairs; the Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade; the Minister of Heritage, Sport, Tourism and Culture Industries; the Minister of Education; the Minister of Infrastructure; and all Ontario Municipalities; the Association of Rural Municipalities of Ontario; the Association of Municipalities of Ontario and The Federation of Canadian Municipalities.

CARRIED

Should you have any questions please feel free to follow up with our office directly at 613-256-2064 or [email protected]

Kind Regards,

Jeanne Harfield Clerk

Our File No: CV128-20

June 22, 2020 Delivered by e-mail to: [email protected]

Ms. Lori McDonald Director of Corporate Services/Clerk Town of Bracebridge 1000 Taylor Court Bracebridge, ON P1L 1R6

Dear Ms. McDonald,

RE: Town of Bracebridge Resolution Regarding the Establishment of a Municipal Financial Assistance Program to Offset the Financial Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic

We acknowledge receipt of your correspondence dated June 12, 2020, with respect to the above noted matter.

In accordance with the City’s policy your correspondence has been forwarded to the Mayor and Members of Council. A member of Council may request the matter be listed on a Council/Committee agenda for consideration.

Should this matter be listed on an agenda, we will advise you of any action taken by Vaughan Council.

Yours sincerely,

Todd Coles City Clerk

TC/lc

City of Vaughan, Office of City Clerk, 2141 Major Mackenzie Drive, Vaughan, Ontario L6A 1T1 Tel: 905.832-8504 website www.vaughan.ca email [email protected]