Construction has been deemed non-essential in the Province of Ontario. We are heading into construction season and we are not permitted to work. Business owners and workers can’t simply “wait and see” what will happen. While government assistance has been offered, for many of us, this money amounts to a drop in the bucket.

We would like to see construction classified as essential once again. It should be noted that "construction" is used deliberately to include as many trades as possible (that can work safely and with a paired down crew) under the construction umbrella. We would commit to:

- the health, safety and wellbeing of workers

- providing workers with the necessary PPE

- limiting the number of members per crew (on any one one job site) to a maximum of 5

- the creation and implementation of a Coronavirus Prevention and Control Policy. The policy is intended to:

         -educate workers on the symptoms of a potential COVID-19 infection          consistent with guidelines from federal and provincial public health agencies;

         -provide clear direction to workers with respect to the prevention and control of COVID-19;

         -provide tips on effective hand hygiene techniques; and

         -set out Business’ legal responsibilities according to relevant legislation.

We urge you to allow the construction industry to continue to operate if only in a limited capacity. Many business owners face the real possibility of losing everything that they have worked so hard for over the years if they are asked to continue to sit idle.

For those of us in the construction industry, there is no way to offer our services remotely or online. Many business that have been told to close their doors have the opportunity to keep generating money (if only a little) through online platforms or pickup, takeout and delivery options. For so many of us in construction, we have no opportunities to generate any income.

Allowing us to work will alleviate some of the strain on the system and business owners will be able to keep their companies afloat as we continue to flatten the COVID-19 curve.

To be clear, we are requesting up to five workers be allowed on any one job site as of May 4th, 2020. All employers and workers are to follow any new or existing protocols set out by the province.

We thank you, in advance, for your consideration.