Ontario NDP Leader Andrea Horwath says the public needs to know what the Ford government got right and what it got wrong in its response to COVID-19.
She called for an independent judicial inquiry Wednesday morning in a news conference outside Queen's Park. Framed by her party's critics for labour, childcare and early learning, seniors and long-term care, and anti-racism, Horwath said it would answer questions that would help inform the response to any future pandemics.
"What was the impact of years of Liberal and Conservative cuts to our healthcare system that left us unprepared for this pandemic?" asked Horwath. "What was the impact of Doug Ford not listening to the experts?"
She would also want the inquiry to examine the consequences of the colour-coded reopening framework following the first wave of the pandemic.
Health Minister Christine Elliott has indicated the government will not use the same framework when the Stay at Home order ends June 2, and there are hints it will be replaced by a sector-specific framework.
"I think there was a huge sigh of relief across the entire province when the government said it was going to abandon their utterly failed, colour-coded confusing system," Horwath responded. "What we need to do is listen to the experts, and the government, once for all, needs to be clear. It needs to be concise. People need to understand what it is that is coming and what the expectations are."
Those questions could be answered by a select committee, but Horwath fears that could be stonewalled and cut short.
"It has the opportunity to ensure that documents are provided, to compel witnesses, to compel evidence, and it's something that is completely independent," she explained.
When asked about giving the inquiry deadlines, Horwath said she would rather not, but interim reports would make sure Ontarians are informed until the final report is ready, especially if it extends beyond the next provincial election.
Should the Ford government not call the inquiry, Horwath committed to holding one within the first 100 days should her party be elected to government.
This is not the first time, the NDP has demanded a public inquiry during the pandemic. It also called for one into long-term care last May. Instead, the Ford government opted for an independent commission.
