During difficult times like these, frontline healthcare workers are relied upon more than ever. We cannot thank you enough for the care and compassion you continue to provide on a daily basis.
Our number one priority is the health and safety of you and your family, and the well being of the people you care for. We are working hard to ensure that you are protected, health-wise and financially, and that all healthcare workers are being treated fairly and equally, regardless of who their employer is or which sector they work in.
To help keep you informed and safe, we have created various resources that can all be found on this page. These resources will be updated frequently, so make sure to check back often to ensure you are up to date with the latest information.
Your Member Resource Centre has added even more support to help you through COVID-19. Along with the MRC’s usual functions like help with Labour Relations issues or Health and Safety advice, there will be additional live staff to answer your questions about the following topics:
Federal COVID-19 Economic Response Plan
COVID-19 is causing many to face financial hardship, job uncertainty and fear about how to make ends meet. There is understandably a lot of confusion around what benefits are available, and which one is the right one for you. We are here to guide you through the Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB) and Employment Insurance (EI) to ensure you are getting every penny you qualify for from the government.
Tax Credits and Benefits
We can help you learn about and provide guidance on different tax benefits and credits you may be eligible for, including the recently announced temporary increase to the Canada Child Benefit (CCB) and the Goods and Service Tax (GST) Credit.
WSIB
For those who have tested positive for COVID-19, we are here to help you fill out and submit a Workplace Safety Insurance Board (WSIB) Worker’s Report of Injury/Disease Form.
Mental Health Support
Is the COVID-19 pandemic causing you mental distress? We are concerned about your well-being and we are here to provide support. We can also assist you in locating free community resources and services, including crises hotlines for children, free counselling and helpful tools to cope with stress, depression and anxiety.
Health and Safety
We are aware there is a lot of uncertainty surrounding topics like Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and appropriate protocols to maintain a safe work environment. We are here to provide you with assistance on the Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA) requirements to ensure you are protected and feel safe and supported as you continue your fight on the frontlines.
Nursing Support Line
SEIU Healthcare’s Nursing Division is providing experienced professional practice liaisons to give you recent, relevant, and credible support and coaching for working safely through COVID-19 in accordance with your CNO standards. We can also help with other nursing-specific questions like effectively submitting Workload Review Forms and answering your questions about Professional Liability Protection (PLP) insurance.
Monday – Friday: 8:30 a.m. – 6:30 p.m.
Important Phone Numbers
Telehealth Ontario
Call if you develop (or believe you may have) symptoms: 1-866-797-0000
Canadian Information Line
For the most up-to-date information, call the coronavirus information line:
1-833-784-4397
*Interpretation services available in multiple languages
Services Canada
Contact the dedicated line for Employment Insurance claims related to COVID-19: 1-833-381-2725
Canadian Mental Health Association
If you’re experiencing a mental health issue during COVID-19, you can call the CMHA here: 1-844-HERE247
Healthcare Provider Hotline
Health workers and health sector employers can call the Ministry of Health’s Healthcare Provider Hotline for guidance and information here: 1-866-212-2272
Healthcare workers on the frontlines of COVID-19 are putting their well-being at risk every day providing care for those in need across Ontario. However, they are not being provided personal protective equipment (PPE) to keep themselves, their patients and their families safe.
As a reminder, if you feel that your work has become unsafe or that your rights have been violated, immediately contact your union representative, steward or Member Resource Centre (1-877-672-7348).
Attention Long-Term Care Members: As you fight on the frontlines of the COVID-19 pandemic, we know your staffing levels and working conditions have been constantly changing.
To help us bring your voices to the government and your employer, we are asking you fill out a working conditions survey so we can better understand the challenges and dangers you are facing inside your workplace.
Resources
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- Food Banks Canada – Find a Food Bank
- Rogers – Information on Financial Support
- Telus – Information on Financial Support
- Bell – Information on Financial Support
- Financial Assistance for Canadians Seeking to Return to Canada
- Licences and Renewals Information
- Hydro Bill Relief
- Ontario Energy Board Updates
- Free over-the-phone Credit Counsellor: 1-800-267-2272
The World Health Organization (WHO) has developed the WHO Academy app, that is available for free at the Google Play Store and Apple App Store. The new app provides the latest guidance, tools, training, and virtual workshops for healthcare professionals during COVID-19. After you download the app you will be able to choose from six different languages which include English, French, Spanish, Chinese, Arabic, and Russian.
If you’re on the frontlines of COVID-19, you can request free CAA Roadside service by calling *222 or 1-800-222-4357.
Additional Resources
Canada COVID-19 Support App
Ministry of Health
Ministry of Health and Long Term Care – COVID-19 Case Definitions
This document provides case definitions for surveillance purposes (i.e. Person Under Investigation, Probable Case, Presumptive Confirmed Case, Confirmed Case, etc.)
Ministry of Health and Long Term Care – COVID-19 Info Sheet
Ministry of Health – Risk Levels for Exposure and Instructions on Self-Isolation
This chart can be used to help assess your potential exposure to the novel coronavirus COVID-19 and provide direction on Self-Monitoring and Self-Isolation.
Ministry of Health and Long Term Care – Guidance for the Health Sector
This website has links to Guidance Documents for health sectors, including Primary Care Providers in a Community Setting, Acute Care, Home and Community Care Providers, Paramedic Services and Long-Term Care.
Guidance for Primary Care Providers in a Community Setting
Guidance for Home and Community Care Providers
Guidance for Paramedic Services
Guidance for Independent Health Facilities
Community Labs and Specimen Collection Centres
Guidance for Occupational Health and Safety
Guidance for Consumption and Treatment Services
Quick Reference Public Health Guidance on Testing and Clearance
Guidance for Industry Operators
Public Health
Public Health Ontario – How to Self-Isolate
Public Health Ontario – COVID-19 Updates and Resources
This website has links to many resources, as well as guidance on best practices. Resources are available in multiple languages.
Government of Canada
Government of Canada – COVID-19 Travel Advice
This link provides up to date information on travel advice, including identification of Impacted Areas and associated levels of risk.
Government of Canada – COVID-19 Outbreak Updates
Government of Ontario – Updates on COVID-19
This link provides information on how the MOHLTC is preparing for COVID-19 and provides updates twice daily on the status of cases in Ontario.
Government of Ontario Online Self Assessment Tool
Affected City Services
https://www.toronto.ca/home/covid-19/affected-city-services/
Assessment Centres
Find Your Nearest COVID-19 Assessment Site
Mental Health Support
Perceived Stress Scale (PPS) Test
Resources for Ontarians Experiencing Mental Health and Addictions Issues During the Pandemic
Education at Home
Legal Assistance
Housing Assistance
Child Care
City of Toronto – COVID-19 Child Care for Essential Workers
List of Workers Eligible for Emergency Child Care
Guidance for Emergency Childcare Centres
Talking to Children About the Pandemic
Community Resources:
Telehealth Ontario
211 ONTARIO: A toll-free information line that can direct callers to resources for topics including abuse, homelessness and housing, emergency and crisis, mental health and addictions, family services, food, Indigenous services, disabilities, seniors, and more. Assistance is available in over 100 languages.
Dial 2-1-1 or visit 211ontario.ca
In the Media
Press Releases and Other COVID-19 Updates
Widespread Hospital Closures Demand Urgent Attention And Real Accountability
Unions representing 70,000 hospital workers issue open letters to the Ontario Hospital Association and the provincial government for full transparency and staff support to fix the worsening health human resource crisis in Ontario
The Federal Health Transfer Needs Strong Strings Attached
Statement from CUPE National President Mark Hancock, CFNU President Linda Silas, NUPGE National President Larry Brown, and SEIU Canada Healthcare President Sharleen Stewart.
Ford Government Plans Will Result In Devastating Healthcare Worker Shortage
With health care job vacancies skyrocketing, new long-term care beds and a provincial government fond of “Band-Aid” health workforce approaches, Ontarians will see unprecedented health care staff shortages of more than 50,000 workers over the next few years.
Contract Negotiations For 70,000 Ontario Hospital Workers Break Down
“We are deeply disappointed that Ontario’s hospitals will not seriously address the pressing health and safety needs of registered practical nurses, personal support workers, clerical, cleaners and other front-line hospital staff.”
