Today, Premier Doug Ford provided an update on the Province’s re-opening plan. As of Friday, June 12 at 12:01am, a number of public health unit regions will be able to move forward with stage 2 of re-opening. This includes re-opening a number of additional businesses and workplaces, including personal service settings, retail operations, sport fields and other outdoor amenities. Haldimand-Norfolk is not one of the regions permitted to enter stage 2.

Haldimand County Mayor Ken Hewitt & Norfolk County Mayor Chopp issued the following in response to today’s Provincial announcement:

“Today we learned – along with all of you – that the provincial government will not be allowing Haldimand and Norfolk counties to proceed to the second stage of Ontario’s COVID-19 re-opening plan.

This decision was made by the provincial government after absolutely no consultation with our Medical Officer of Health, and for reasons that remain unclear.

Once again, we must ask our MPP Toby Barrett for clarity on his government’s decision-making process, and call on him to explain why it is that Haldimand and Norfolk are being left behind by the Province.”