ONTARIO GOVERNMENT ANNOUNCEMENT ON COVID-19 LIABILITY PROTECTION LEGISLATION
October 21 , 2020
(Whitby, ON) - On Tuesday, October 20th, 2020 the Government of Ontario announced that it has tabled the Supporting Ontario's Recovery Act, 2020, which, if passed, will provide liability protection for workers, volunteers and organizations that make an honest effort to follow public health guidelines and laws relating to exposure to COVID-19. At the same time, if passed, it will maintain the right of Ontarians to take legal action against those who willfully, or with gross negligence, endanger others.
The Supporting Ontario's Recovery Act, 2020 would provide targeted protection for those who are making an honest effort to follow public health guidelines and laws, including:
Healthcare workers and institutions;
Frontline workers who serve the public everywhere from grocery stores to restaurants and retail stores;
Businesses and their employees;
Charities, non-profit organizations; and
Coaches, volunteers and minor sports associations
The legislation specifically addresses the concerns that have been expressed within the amateur sport community about civil liability and legal action arising from COVID-19, and will protect those that make every effort to act in good faith and follow public health guidelines and laws and Return to Play protocols.
Rugby Ontario has worked alongside other Provincial Sport Organizations and non-profits to advocate with government and key decision makers on behalf of the amateur sport system in Ontario. It has been a constant priority for Rugby Ontario to bring necessary change forward to ensure our Members and amateur sport organizations can continue to serve Ontario communities during the pandemic, and beyond.
The Supporting Ontario's Recovery Act, 2020 has passed its first reading and will continue to be debated in the Ontario Provincial Legislature this week.
Rugby Ontario will continue to provide updates on this topic when more information becomes available.
For further information about Rugby Ontario’s Return to Play Plan, visit: www.rugbyontario.com/return-to-play
ABOUT RUGBY ONTARIO
Rugby Ontario is the provincial sports governing body responsible for the organization of rugby in Ontario. Our mission is to establish a stronger identity for rugby in Ontario by promoting the sport’s core values and by fostering a culture of inclusiveness and excellence on and off the field of play.
To learn more, visit https://www.rugbyontario.com/
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Email: Info@rugbyontario.com
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