Ford said he doesn’t “believe in that, for a second.” Ford said that there should be more training for police and higher standards, including community policing.
Ontario Premier Doug Ford addressed media today, providing updates on the province's response to the coronavirus pandemic, with Ford and his ministers announcing the reopening of childcare centres.
Regarding the defunding of the police, Ford said he doesn't "believe in that for a second." Ford said that there should be more training for police and higher standards, including community policing.
"I just don't believe in cutting police budgets. Just never believed in it," Ford concluded.
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View on XFord went on to say that more community outreach was a priority.
"The most critical thing is to listen and to apply what you're hearing. If you hear groups of people needing support... then we're there to support them. I take this very seriously, and we'll do anything we can to make sure that we stop racism in this province and in this country. I think we're all on board," said Ford on the topic of anti-black racism.
Ford made announcements regarding childcare alongside ministers Stephen Lecce and Christine Elliott at Queens Park, with Lecce assuring Ontarians that the plan was given the green light from public health officials.
A limited number of children will be permitted to enter at childcare locations, with new additional screening and cleaning protocols.
Toys that are at a particular risk of spreading the virus will be removed from premises, and no visitors will be allowed to enter.
"The advocacy group has called for a variety of initiatives... they've called for smaller numbers of kids within a space, we've committed to that by going to a cohort of no more than ten. They've called for advance cleaning protocols, we're doing that," said Lecce.
"The province is providing more latitude and more support, for example, for cleaning, for additional custodial staff... and for PPE." Lecce said that the government will be covering the costs of new protocol and operation.
Notices and guidelines have been given to the sector, said Lecce.
For those who do not follow the new protocols and guidelines, a $1,000 penalty per child, per day of non-compliance can be excepted. Childcare centres will also need to have a plan in case of a COVID outbreak.
For parents who do not wish to bring their children to childcare centres, they will not lose their spot at the daycare, and they will not be penalized.
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