Ontario Expands Access to COVID-19 Antivirals As Canada's Top Doctor 'Strongly Recommends" Masking Indoors

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Ontario's chief medical officer of health, Dr. Kieran Moore, updated the public on Monday about how the province is managing COVID-19 and the expanding access to antivirals at announced Queen’s Park on Monday afternoon.

This was Dr. Kieran Moore’s first media appearance in five weeks. Screenshot.

Moore thanked the public for continuing to adopt the public health measures in place and strongly recommended to continue wearing a mask indoors. He stated the province will not be reintroducing a mask mandate at this time but to be prepared for those measures to return if a new variant of concern emerges or if the healthcare system is threatened due to rising cases.

“I ask everyone across Ontario to continue doing their part to keep their communities and loved ones safe by staying up to date on vaccinations and wearing masks,” said Moore. “I am pleased that we will be able to offer more accessible antiviral treatment options to more people across Ontario.”

Effective immediately, the following higher-risk groups are eligible to be tested and assessed for antiviral treatments such as Paxlovid, in Ontario:

  • Individuals aged 18 and over who are immunocompromised (have an immune system that is weakened by a health condition or medications);

  • Individuals aged 70 and over;

  • Individuals aged 60 and over with fewer than three vaccine doses; and

  • Individuals aged 18 and over with fewer than three vaccine doses and at least one risk condition (e.g., a chronic medical condition)

Anyone eligible for an assessment is also eligible for a PCR test at any testing centre in Ontario.

In most cases, treatment for antivirals must be started within five days of symptoms. A list of pharmacies dispensing Paxlovid will be available at Ontario.ca/antivirals as of Wed. 13 at 8:00 a.m. and will be updated as the list of participating pharmacies expands.

“Thanks to the millions of Ontarians who were vaccinated, we have been able to cautiously and safely reopen our province,” said Christine Elliott, Deputy Premier and Minister of Health. “By expanding access to antivirals and PCR testing, in addition to recently expanding eligibility for fourth doses, we are using every tool available to us to ensure Ontarians have the best protection available while we adapt to managing and living with COVID-19.”

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Liberal Candidate to Host Virtual Town Hall Providing Campaign Updates

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Greg Dempsey, Peterborough-Kawartha’s Liberal candidate, is hosting a virtual town hall on Zoom this Wednesday at 7 p.m.

Dempsey won the nomination over Dane Bland on Nov. 8 last year. Photo courtesy of Greg Dempsey.

Author and historian John Boyko is joining Dempsey for the upcoming public meeting to discuss politics, the UN and give campaign updates.

In November, Dempsey was nominated as the Peterborough-Kawartha Liberal candidate and was welcomed by the Liberal Party leader, Steven Del Duca.

“Greg is truly committed to improving life for those in Peterborough— Kawartha and brings a lifetime of experience advocating on behalf of Canadians to the table,” said Del Duca.

Photo courtesy of Greg Dempsey.

Greg Dempsey grew up in Peterborough, graduating from Adam Scott CVI in 1999. He holds a BA and BSc from Bishop’s University, a law degree from the University of Victoria, a certificate in International Indigenous Studies from Columbia University in New York and a cum laude LLM in International Human Rights Law from Utrecht University in the Netherlands.

Anyone can attend and RSVP online by clicking here.

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Mayor Diane Therrien To Return To Office Part Time After Temporary Leave

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After taking a temporary leave of absence beginning Feb. 14, Mayor Diane Therrien will return to part time work this week and transition into full time work next week, she announced on Wednesday.

Therrien took a temporary leave to address her personal health on Feb. 14.

During her absence Councilor Andrew Beamer, Deputy Mayor for the City of Peterborough took on the role Acting Mayor.

In a social media post made on Wednesday Therrien thanked Beamer, and Deputy Mayor Akapo for filling in for her.

She noted that her doctor suggested she return part time, and transition back to full time next week.

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Peterborough City Hall Lit Blue and Yellow In Support of Ukraine

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On a display of solidarity and support to Ukraine in their conflict with Russia, Peterborough City Hall has been lit in blue and yellow that started Tuesday.

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

The lights are lit from March 1 to 7.

Before the playing of the Canadian national anthem at Monday’s virtual City Council meeting, 30 seconds of silent reflection were taken.

Several council members dressed their virtual background in the Ukrainian flag at the meeting.

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City Seeks Members For The Election Compliance Audit Committee Ahead Of Municipal Election

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With Peterborough’s next municipal election happening on Oct. 24, the City is seeking citizens interested in being members of the Election Compliance Audit Committee announced Monday.

File photo.

The Compliance Audit Committee is a requirement of the Ontario Municipal Elections Act. The Committee will address applications requesting an audit of a candidate’s or third-party advertiser’s election campaign finances and is intended to oversee investigations regarding candidate finances.

Interested candidates should have experience in accounting and audits, law, law enforcement and academics from related fields.

The committee remains in place for the term of the newly elected Council until the next municipal election in 2026. This is a volunteer position and is an excellent opportunity for individuals to offer their assistance as part of municipal election requirements.

The deadline for application is March 18 at 4:30 p.m.

Hard copies of the application are available at City Hall, 500 George St. N. An online application can be filled out here.

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Ontario Liberal Candidate For Peterborough Kawartha Greg Dempsey Asked To Join Canada’s Mission To The United Nations

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Greg Dempsey, the Ontario Liberal candidate for Peterborough-Kawartha has been asked to join Canada’s Mission to the United Nations for a few weeks, he announced via social media on Monday.

Photo courtesy of Greg Dempsey.

Born and raised in Peterborough, Dempsey holds a BA and BSc from Bishop’s University, a law degree from the University of Victoria, a cum laude LLM in International Human Rights Law from Utrecht in the Netherlands, and a certificate in International Indigenous Studies from Columbia University in New York.

Since 2008, Dempsey served in the Canadian Foreign Service, representing Canada at the UN in New York, at the Human Rights Council in Geneva, and in Kabul, Afghanistan.

PTBOCanada contacted Dempsey for a comment regarding this news, though because of the nature of this work he cannot comment.

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Ontario Government Declares Provincial State of Emergency Over Protests and Blockades

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The Ontario Government has declared a state of emergency regarding the protesters and ending the blockade at key border crossings in the province announced on Friday.

Truckers from all over the country began rolling into Ottawa to protest on Jan. 28. Screenshot.

Increased fines and penalties on protesters including a maximum penalty of $100,000 and up to a year of imprisonment are placed for any non-compliers.

Ontario Premier Doug Ford calls the gathering a “siege” rather than a protest. He is urging anyone remaining to go back home in order to minimize harm as the government got the message sent by the protest.

“With a protest, you peacefully make your point and you go back home and I know the vast majority of the people did that,” he said. “You’ve been heard loud and clear. Canada has heard you. I urge you, it’s time to leave and it’s time to do so peacefully.”

Ontario and Alberta have had several blockades with the "Freedom Convoy" in Ottawa protesting against vaccine mandates for truckers beginning two weeks ago.

Ontario will provide additional authority to revoke personal and commercial licences to anyone who fails to comply as temporary measures according to Ford. He stated the government "has every intention" to make them permanent into new legislation in the future.

"We are taking the steps necessary to support our police as they do what it takes to restore law and order," said Ford.

The state of emergency declaration will last for 42 hours as the cabinet will meet on Saturday to amend it if necessary.

Public Safety Minister Marco Mendicino said the RCMP will send more resources to end the blockades in Ottawa, Windsor, Ont., and Coutts, Alta.

Mendicino claims to be in "consistent contact" with Ontario Solicitor General Sylvia Jones to coordinate their response in Ottawa for police backup.

Ottawa had previously requested 1,800 more officers from the Ontario and federal governments with 250 RCMP officers deployed.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau give remarks in Ottawa on Friday afternoon regarding the protests and blockades across Canada.

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MP Michelle Ferreri Issues Statement Regarding Erin O'Toole's Removal of the Conservative Party

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Several hours after the Conservatives voted Erin' O’Toole out as the party leader, Michelle Ferreri, Peterborough Kawartha MP issued a statement thanking him for his service on Wednesday.

Ferreri (left) defeated former Liberal candidate Maryam Monsef in the federal election on Sep. 20 last year. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

Ferreri posted her statement on social media as O’Toole lost the vote 73 to 45 in favour of being removed on Wednesday afternoon. The caucus was held virtually in a secret ballot to determine the former leader’s status.

“I would like to thank Erin O’Toole, his family and his staff for their service and their sacrifices made over the last 18 months,” said Ferreri in the statement. “He has been a strong mentor and a model of commitment for our Conservative team.”

A new interim leader will be chosen Wednesday evening and the caucus will choose a new candidate to lead the party.

Whoever is elected cannot become the Conservative leader when a permanent position gets established.

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Draft Of New Peterborough County Official Plan Released

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Peterborough County Council received the release of the new draft of the Official Plan for Peterborough County, at the Jan. 19 Council Meeting, that draft is now available to the public.

File Photo.

A requirement of the County Planning Department was to undertake a Municipal Comprehensive Review of the existing Official Plan and to complete a Growth Plan conformity exercise.

“The Official Plan was largely developed by creating consistencies between local Municipalities”, said Bryan Weir, Director, Planning and Public Works. “Through land use designations and mapping, and then refining the policies to reflect provincial legislation and local context, this new draft plan will serve the County and most of the Townships and is now available for public review and comment.”

The County Official Plan provides direction and guidance on how land in the County of Peterborough will be used and provides policy to ensure that future development will meet the needs of the community. Currently it also functions as the lower tier Official Plan for four local municipalities.

In 2017, the County initiated the development of a new Official Plan; one that is more user-friendly and meets both Provincial and local directives. Is being developed with input from County and Township Councils, public agencies, and members of the public.

The full Draft County Official Plan, detailed Land Use Schedules, and Report to Council in digital or printable format can be found on the Peterborough County website.

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Michelle Ferreri Tells A Story Of A Peterborough Woman In Her Maiden Speech

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Member of Parliament Michelle Ferreri gave her maiden speech at the House of Commons on Dec. 16.

In Ferreri’s first ever speech she brought to light the mental health crisis in Peterborough-Kawartha.

She told the story of Cassie, a Peterborough local who struggled with her mental health.

On Sept. 20, Cassie passed away. Ferreri made a promise to Cassies’s mother that her story wouldn’t end in vain, and that she would work to help the other ‘Cassies’ in Peterborough.

“Cassie is the real example of what needs to be solved and the crisis we’re living in,” said Ferreri. “Her mom wanted her story shared. She wants people to know what happened.”

When Ferreri posted a video of her clip on Facebook, members of the community and Cassie’s family members expressed their praise in the comments.

“I wrote the speech myself, I didn’t have any help or input on what I chose to write. I think I’ll be able to look back on my maiden speech in the future and it will remind me of why I started this. There’s days when it gets hard and overwhelming but I can go back to my maiden speech and be reminded of why I’m doing this and what I’m trying to achieve.”

Ferreri also noted how COVID-19 has magnified the opioid and mental health crisis, and that Canada needs to learn to live with COVID.

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