BREAKING: Doug Ford extends state of emergency—Ontario falls behind other provinces in reopening

Ford announced this extension in a press conference today in Queen's Park, Ontario's legislative building. The current emergency declaration, which was introduced on March 17, would have expired on Tuesday.

Now, the draconian lockdown laws will be in effect for another 28 days, in spite of the crushing strain in places on the economy.

Like the dictator position given to Roman counsels, this state of emergency gives sweeping, albeit temporary, powers to the incumbent government and the executive.

Due to the lockdown extension, Ontario will only fully reopen by Canada Day at least. The slow process of stimulating the economy has already started, as stores with a street entrance are now allowed to serve customers.

Ontario is lagging well-behind other Canadian provinces likes Saskatchewan, Alberta and Quebec who are already close to breaching the second wave of their lockdown plan.

Ontario has recorded slightly over 28,000 cases of coronavirus, which pales in comparison to Quebec who has recorded 51,000 cases, despite having a smaller population.

Similarly, Ontario has only recorded 2,000 coronavirus-related deaths, Quebec, on the other hand, has recorded well over double that figure, with 4,600 deaths.

Canada, as a whole, has recorded 91,000 cases of coronavirus with 7,300 deaths.