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th ei fp .c a Th e IF P -H al to n H ill s | T hu rs da y, F eb ru ar y 4, 20 21 | 4 Georgetown's trusted choice for hearing care 360 Guelph St., Unit 44 Georgetown (In the Knolcrest Centre) 905.877.8828 Armstrong Ave Delrex Blvd haltonaudiometric.ca Your HEARING is ESSENTIAL Thats why we are OPEN, and ready to safely help you with your hearing care needs. Call now for a preview of the next generation of hearing aid technology! coupon TIRES! All Sizes All Brands 20 Armstrong Avenue, Georgetown We have Anco Winter and All Season Wiper Blades! only $7.49/each installation available ehicles + TAX Most Vehicles $3995 only • Oil Change • Antifreeze Check • Lubrication • 52 point inspection • Battery & Wiper Blade Check • FREE FLUID TOP UPS MAinTenAnce Special!* *Upgrade to synthetic from $15 extra *Up to 5 Ltr. most standard vehicles 905-877-1237 ✃ ✃ 52 point inspection Heavy Duty Diesel Oil Change $149.95+ TAX *T6 Rotella synthetic upgrade $239.95 *most standard heavy duty trucks up to 11L Euro Oil Change Full Synthetic $169.95 + TAX *most standard euro vehicles up to 8L Certified Mechanics specializing in diesel, euro and standard vehicles. Best Prices We Will Work On Any Size or Type of Diesel Vehicle "All Types and Sizes we offer Service, Repair and Annual Safety" Open for business by appointment only. Please call to book with same day availability. Halton is calling on the provincial and federal governments to provide longer, better-funded sick leave to help stop the ongoing spread of COVID-19. Here's what you need to know about the issue and mo- tion that was unanimously passed by re- gional council. WHY IS THIS MOTION COMING FORWARD NOW? According to Burlington Councillor Rory Nisan and Mayor Marianne Meed Ward, who put the resolution forth, the rise in workplace transmission of CO- VID-19 has highlighted the ongoing need for paid sick time so that people don't choose to attend work while ill, due to economic hardship. HOW MAY PEOPLE HAVE PAID SICK DAYS AT THE MOMENT? Currently, only 42 per cent of Canada's workforce has access to paid sick days, said Halton Medical Officer of Health Dr. Hami- dah Meghani, leaving 58 per cent of people in a difficult position. "It's vital that people should not have to choose between food on their table versus spreading COVID-19 in their workplace," she said. DOES THE GOVERNMENT PROVIDE ANY FINANCIAL HELP TO THOSE WHO CONTRACT COVID-19 AND/OR HAVE TO QUARANTINE FOR 14 DAYS DUE TO EXPOSURE? The Canada Recovery Sickness Benefit provides $500 per week for up to two weeks for those who become sick or need to self- isolate. But Meghani said it can take any- where from three to 28 days from applica- tion submission to receive the benefit -- an amount that Nisan noted is less than mini- mum wage. SO WHAT ELSE SHOULD BE DONE TO RECTIFY THIS ISSUE? "To truly enable workers to stay home when sick during this pandemic, and to prevent the spread of other communicable disease in the future, a provincial policy is needed for paid sick days," said Meghani. This type of policy would allow sick day pay to show up directly on pay cheques and provide job security, she noted. NEWS REGION DEMANDS ACTION ON PAID SICK LEAVE 'IT'S A BIG PROBLEM WITH AN EASY SOLUTION' MELANIE HENNESSEY mhennessey@metroland.com