Ontario NDP deputy leader Sara Singh will be forcing a vote on a motion Monday, May 17 calling on the Ford government to safely re-open outdoor amenities.
The Premier extended the provincewide stay-at-home order to June 2 last week, effectively keeping outdoor activities such as golf courses closed for another three weeks.
Nickel Belt MPP France Gélinas says the premier's decision to close outdoor activities was a mistake and that it wasn't backed by his own science table.
"Many residents have reached out to me and they are frustrated that outdoor activities are so restricted. The Ford government should have provided clear guidelines to safely re-open outdoor recreational spaces," said Gélinas in a Facebook post on May 14.
"Being outside and enjoying physical activity is healthy and should be encouraged, not outlawed. I encourage this government to listen to the people of Nickel Belt, and Ontario, and pass our motion to re-open outdoor amenities."
In a video message posted to Twitter on May 14, Singh made similar comments from Chinguacousy Park in her riding of Brampton Centre, calling on the Ford government to re-open outdoor activities across the province.
"The Ontario Science Table has been clear, outdoor recreation is not the problem," said Singh.
"What we need the government to do is implement paid sick days and make sure that essential workers are getting their vaccines in a timely manner. Open up the outdoor recreational spaces so people can get out and enjoy the beautiful weather, address mental health and physical well-being concerns and get out and play."
I'm calling on the government to safely re-open outdoor activities & amenities. Our communities mental health & physical well-being is depending on it. @fordnation listen to the experts & the Ontario Science Table, people need to get outside and play safely. #letusplay pic.twitter.com/s1XYekTzle
— Sara Singh (@SaraSinghMPP) May 14, 2021
