March 26, 2020

Dear Friends in Wellington-Halton Hills:

Together, we are confronting the coronavirus public health emergency. Everyone is pulling together and doing their part.

At the best of times, Members of Provincial Parliament must divide their time between work in their constituencies and their legislative responsibilities at Queen’s Park.

Few things give me greater satisfaction than interacting with people in our Riding: hearing what’s happening, then working together and within the Provincial Government to do what I can to help.

But now, because of the emergency, we all need to take a step back. To the greatest extent possible, we all need to listen to our public health officials, and we need to be staying home.

Like so many in Government, technology allows me to work from home, which is what I must do in the coming weeks.

Although it is only March, I might guess the “Word of the Year” for 2020 will be “Social Distancing,” something we have heard much about from our friends, family, political leaders, and healthcare professionals.

Social distancing means reducing our exposure to other people, and avoiding close contact with people outside of our residence. But, it does not mean that we cannot find other ways to be social during these unusual times.

We are fortunate to have the technology to connect with friends and family from afar. As we have seen around the world, people have been coming together—apart—in many beautiful ways. We have seen videos of people singing from balconies in Italy, and heard stories of neighbours helping vulnerable people around them with supplies.

If you are having a difficult time during this period of social distancing, uncertainty and ever-changing circumstances, please know there are still a number of community resources available to assist you, including:

Canadian Mental Health Association Waterloo-Wellington branch: 1-844-437-3247

Canadian Mental Health Association Halton Region branch: 1-877-693-4270

ConnexOntario: 1-866-531-2600

I have absolute confidence and faith we will persevere and overcome. And yes, we will get through this together. But let’s also remember the wise advice of Dr. Eileen de Villa, the City of Toronto’s Medical Officer of Health: “Let’s work together to stay apart.”

While our Wellington-Halton Hills Provincial Riding Office is also practicing social distancing, please know we are still available by phone and e-mail to assist you on matters involving the Provincial Government.

Until I see you again, keep well, stay safe, and take care.

Ted Arnott, MPP

Wellington-Halton Hills