TORONTO, April 30 /CNW/ - Ernie Eves, Ontario's Premier, today introduced
Bill 1 - the SARS Assistance and Recovery Strategy Act - in the Legislature
and it was passed in a single sitting.
"It is fitting that this measure should be the first piece of legislation
to come before the House in the new session," Eves said. "It supports a goal
all members share - to overcome the SARS outbreak and its far-reaching impact
on our province."
The Bill advances the government's comprehensive SARS Assistance and
Recovery Strategy in four ways.
First, the measure protects the jobs of people affected by SARS-related
personal illness, quarantine or isolation. Under the Bill, employees are
entitled to an unpaid leave of absence for SARS-related reasons and to
reinstatement when they are able to return to work.
Second, the Bill strengthens current powers to curb the spread of SARS
and other infectious diseases. The changes will help to ensure that health
officials and front-line health care workers have the tools necessary to meet
their evolving needs during this first-of-its-kind health emergency. This
measure supports the efforts of front-line health staff - the real heroes in
the battle against SARS.
Third, the Bill gives the hard-hit tourism sector a boost by exempting
all admissions and accommodations across the province from retail sales tax
from May 1 to September 30, 2003.
Fourth, the new legislation makes adjustments to the Emergency Management
Act, based on a reassessment of its provisions during the SARS emergency.
"The people of Ontario are uniting in an all-out effort to contain and
defeat SARS and rebound from its impact," Eves said. "Speedy passage of Bill 1
is an important step on the road to recovery."

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