In a press release issued Thursday afternoon, the government says the 2022 pandemic and emergency preparedness law is being extended to policies and measures already in place to ensure the province is able to remain open. by building a stronger, more resilient health care system that is better able to respond to the crisis. “
There is a framework within the legislation that would allow a temporary increase in pandemic wages for Personal Support Workers (PSW) and Direct Support Workers (DSW) to become permanent.
In October 2020, eligible employees in long-term care and community care received a salary increase of $ 3 per hour, while those in public hospitals received a salary increase of $ 2.
Prime Minister Doug Ford has repeatedly promised to make this pay rise permanent, but has only temporarily extended the measures so far.
The bill passed today provides a framework for “a pay-as-you-go program” and the government said it “intends to introduce a regulation under this legislation soon to make the temporary wage increase for PSW and DSW permanent”.
“We are grateful for the personal and immediate support staff who continue to work tirelessly to ensure that our loved ones receive the care and support they need,” said Minister for Children, Community and Social Services Dr.  Merrilee Fullerton.
“We live up to our promise to make wage growth permanent, and I’m proud of that, under the leadership of Premier Ford, our government is taking action to ensure that Ontario is prepared for the future.”
The Ford government said in a press release that it will invest about $ 893 million in 2022-23 to enable this payroll program, which will benefit more than 158,000 employees.
The basic salary for a PSW in Ontario before the increase is $ 16.50 per hour.
The new legislation will also make it easier for foreign-certified health workers to start their internships in Ontario, officials said, and is committed to hiring and retaining more health care staff through a $ 142 million grant.


FINES FOR THOSE WHO SELL MAP 
The bill also bans the sale of free PPPs provided by the government, as well as other critical supplies and equipment.  A person found to be in violation of this law will face a maximum fine of $ 20,000.
A company found guilty of a felony could face a $ 250,000 fine.
The law clarifies that no prosecution can be instituted more than two years after the date on which the offense was committed, which means that anyone who allegedly resold PPE early in the pandemic is unlikely to be fined.
The government also said the legislation promotes and supports local PPE production and, “where possible”, maintains a stockpile of equipment for times of crisis.
Finance Minister Prabmeet Sarkaria said in a statement that the legislation provides Ontario with tools to combat future pandemics or other threats.
“We will never again allow Ontario to be in the precarious position it was in before the pandemic.  The Pandemic and Emergency Preparedness Act, 2022, is based on our Government’s strong commitment to the health and safety of all Ontarians and our desire to give Ontarians the confidence and safety to know that when if a future pandemic occurs, Ontario will be ready. “