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Ontario Assembly Bill

Ontario Bill 86

43rd Parl. 1st Sess.
March 27, 2023
Advisory Committee to Protect Ontario's People and Economy from Airborne Pandemics Act, 2023
  • This bill, called the Advisory Committee to Protect Ontario's People and Economy from Airborne Pandemics Act, was established in 2023. It aims to create an Advisory Committee that will make recommendations to improve Ontario's infrastructure, regulations, and standards related to indoor air quality in workplaces and public settings. The committee will consist of members from various professional backgrounds and marginalized communities. The bill also addresses issues such as educating the public about indoor air quality, providing incentives for small businesses to improve air quality, and ensuring equitable protection for marginalized groups. The committee will consult with stakeholders and report its recommendations to the Minister of Health and the Standing Committee on Social Policy. The Minister of Health will then inform the government of the recommendations and report on the progress of their implementation.
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SteelmanSpren in Favour

  • One steelman argument in favor of Bill 86 2023, the Advisory Committee to Protect Ontario's People and Economy from Airborne Pandemics Act, is that it establishes a comprehensive and diverse committee to address the risks and challenges posed by airborne diseases. By bringing together experts from various fields, including epidemiology, healthcare, engineering, and communications, the committee can provide well-informed recommendations to improve Ontario's infrastructure, regulations, and standards related to indoor air quality in non-residential workplaces and public settings. The inclusion of members from marginalized communities, such as Indigenous persons, racialized communities, and disabled individuals, ensures that their perspectives and needs are taken into account when developing strategies to protect against airborne diseases. This approach promotes equity and recognizes that certain groups may face higher risks or barriers to protection. Furthermore, the committee's focus on education and public awareness about indoor air quality in public settings can help empower individuals to take necessary precautions and make informed decisions regarding their health. By providing incentives and subsidies for small businesses and private institutions to improve indoor air quality, the committee supports economic recovery while prioritizing public health. The committee's recommendations also address the need for workplace insurance coverage for frontline workers exposed to airborne diseases, as well as the availability of personal protective equipment and respiratory protection during future pandemics. These measures prioritize the safety and well-being of workers, students, patients, and customers. Additionally, the committee's emphasis on data collection, transparency, and communication ensures that the public and workplaces have access to up-to-date information to inform prevention measures and public health interventions. This approach promotes evidence-based decision-making and accountability. Overall, the establishment of the Advisory Committee to Protect Ontario's People and Economy from Airborne Pandemics Act demonstrates a proactive and comprehensive approach to addressing the risks of airborne diseases. By bringing together diverse expertise and prioritizing equity, education, and data-driven strategies, the committee can contribute to the protection of Ontario's people and economy in the face of future airborne pandemics.

SteelmanSpren Against

  • Steelman Argument Opposing Bill 86 2023: Bill 86 2023, also known as the Advisory Committee to Protect Ontario’s People and Economy from Airborne Pandemics Act, raises concerns from a right-wing perspective regarding government overreach and potential negative impacts on the economy. While it is important to address public health concerns, this bill may have unintended consequences that should be considered. Firstly, the establishment of an Advisory Committee composed of various groups and stakeholders may lead to an overly bureaucratic and inefficient decision-making process. The inclusion of multiple perspectives may result in conflicting recommendations and delays in implementing necessary measures. This could hinder the government's ability to respond swiftly and effectively during a pandemic. Furthermore, the bill proposes the allocation of public funds for the remuneration and expenses of committee members. This raises concerns about the financial burden on taxpayers, especially considering the potential long-term nature of the committee's work. It is important to prioritize fiscal responsibility and avoid unnecessary expenditures that could strain the economy. Additionally, the bill suggests modifying maintenance standards, public health recommendations, and building regulations to improve indoor air quality. While this may be a valid concern, it is important to consider the potential impact on small businesses and private institutions. Imposing additional costs and regulations on these entities could hinder their ability to operate and create jobs, particularly during times of economic uncertainty. Moreover, the bill emphasizes the need for equitable protection for marginalized groups, including low-income individuals, disabled persons, and racialized communities. While it is crucial to address health disparities, it is equally important to avoid policies that disproportionately burden certain sectors of society. Implementing measures that specifically target these groups may inadvertently create a sense of dependency and perpetuate a culture of entitlement. Lastly, the bill calls for the collection and communication of public and workplace airborne disease transmission data. While transparency is important, there is a risk of infringing on individual privacy rights. Striking a balance between public health and personal liberties is crucial to ensure that the government does not overstep its boundaries. In conclusion, while the intention behind Bill 86 2023 is to protect the people and economy of Ontario from airborne pandemics, it is important to consider the potential negative consequences. The establishment of an Advisory Committee, the financial burden on taxpayers, the impact on small businesses, and the potential infringement on individual privacy rights are all concerns that should be carefully evaluated before implementing such legislation.
First Reading
  • March 27, 2023, noon
  • In Progress
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