WATCH: Ontario allows education workers to be voluntarily redeployed to congregate care

Update:

Ontario Premier Doug Ford announced plans Wednesday to redeploy education workers to congregate care settings in an effort to address staffing shortages during the COVID-19 crisis.

Education minister Stephen Lecce says the redeployment of education workers will be voluntary, and that all workers plucked from the education system will receive full training and personal protective equipment.  

"Education sector staff who wish to volunteer will receive further information from their local employers. Local school boards and local unions must first sign an agreement to permit redeployment for employees who wish to volunteer," the province stated in its background information on the new framework. "School boards will review applications for volunteers based on their operational requirements. It may not be feasible for all staff who wish to volunteer to have their request granted." 

A news release from the Ontario follows: 

NEWS RELEASE
ONTARIO GOVERNMENT
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TORONTO — The Ontario government is working together with the province's education sector to voluntarily place available employees in staffing roles needed at congregate care settings during the COVID-19 outbreak. This initiative is part of the government's ongoing efforts to redeploy broader public sector workers to areas where they are needed most, such as hospitals, long-term care homes, retirement homes, women's shelters, and homes serving those with developmental disabilities.

The details were provided today by Premier Doug Ford, Stephen Lecce, Minister of Education, and Christine Elliott, Deputy Premier and Minister of Health.

"It is inspiring to see our school boards, trustees, and labour leaders come together and provide education workers with the opportunity to support our frontline workers and take care of our most vulnerable," said Premier Ford. "Whether it's cooking or cleaning, or supporting mental wellness, this voluntary initiative will enable our education workers to go where they're needed most during this crisis and make a difference in people's lives and in their communities."

A framework was developed and endorsed by the Ontario government, trustees' associations, and almost all of the provincial union representatives that will allow the temporary voluntary redeployment of education sector employees, while ensuring they maintain their employment status with their school boards.

"Every day, Ontarians are making an incredible difference to help those most in need during the COVID-19 outbreak," said Minister Lecce. "We know that we must do more to care for our seniors ― that is why this agreement is so important. It will help pave the way for more staff to be deployed to help give dignity, support, and comfort to our most vulnerable citizens. I want to thank our education workers for stepping up to help and for standing out as true leaders within our communities."

Starting later this week, subject to a local agreement of the framework, eligible education sector staff who volunteer will be able to register through an online portal and to be matched with congregate settings that are facing staffing shortages. Positions available may include custodial, maintenance, food preparation, children and youth service workers, social workers, and educational assistants. Training and appropriate safety equipment will be provided to redeployed staff. Volunteers who are redeployed will be eligible for Ontario's temporary pandemic premium and emergency child care.

Original story:

Premier Doug Ford will hold his regular COVID-19 media briefing this afternoon at 1 p.m. from Queen’s Park in Toronto.

He will be joined by Christine Elliott, Deputy Premier and Minister of Health, and Stephen Lecce, Minister of Education, to make an announcement.

The press conference will be streamed live on Ford’s YouTube channel, and Village Media will carry the livestream feed, so stay tuned.