Fight Back with Libby Znaimer

Today on Free For All Friday, listeners discussed how the new omicron variant is affecting their Christmas plans, discussion about Brampton mayor Patrick Brown supporting the legal challenge against Bill 21 in Quebec, and some holiday wishes and messages.

Listen live, weekdays from noon to 1, on Zoomer Radio!

ONTARIO GOVERNMENT PROVIDING NEW SUPPORTS FOR BUSINESSES

Libby Znaimer is joined by Rocco Rossi, President and CEO of the Ontario Chamber of Commerce and Lindsay Broadhead, Senior Vice President, Communications & Public Affairs at the Toronto Region Board of Trade.

The Ontario government is introducing new supports for many of the businesses that are most impacted by public health measures in response to the Omicron variant including a new Ontario Business Costs Rebate Program and a six-month interest- and penalty-free period to make payments for most provincially administered taxes.

But is it enough?

OCHU/CUPE WANT MORE SUPPORT FOR HOSPITAL STAFF

Libby is joined by Michael Hurley, President at Ontario Council of Hospital Unions

Ontario’s health care front-lines are warning that the staffing crisis is so severe at some hospitals that they require staff directly exposed to COVID to work while awaiting test results, just to keep ERs and beds open…a practice that is being labelled as just plain dangerous.

Libby Znaimer is joined by Michael Hurley, President at the Ontario Council of Hospital Unions to discuss.

A GROUP OF BIG CITY MAYORS IN ONTARIO ARE OPPOSING BILL 21

Libby Znaimer today is joined by Franco Terrazzano, Federal Director, Canadian Taxpayers Federation followed by Brampton Mayor Patrick Brown.

Some Ontario municipalities are supporting the legal challenge against Quebec's Bill 21. Brampton City Council, for example, pledged as much as $100,000 to three different civil society groups to challenge the Bill in court. The Canadian Taxpayers Federation, however, is not impressed. They say, "tax dollars should stay in the community towards important municipal projects (policing, potholes etc). And if councilors want to fund legal challenges they should use their salaries, not city funds."

Listen live, weekdays from noon to 1, on Zoomer Radio!

Hospitals respond to Omicron, Highway 413, and proper mask wearing.

How are you feeling mental health-wise this holiday season?

Zoomer Podcast Network

The Sunday edition of the Best Fight Back, from the week that was, with Jane Brown

Interviews with:

- Dr. Peter Juni with an update on Omicron

- Bob Richardson and Kevin Lacey react to the Ottawa fiscal update

- Ontario Pharmacist Association President Justin Bates on how pharmacies are preparing to hand out COVID-19 booster shots

- Ellen Roseman on the consumer trends that defined 2021

- And the best calls of the week!

The Saturday edition of the Best Fight Back, from the week that was, with Jane Brown

Interviews with:

- The Zoomer Squad with Peter Muggeridge, Bill VanGorder, and David Cravit remembering Mel Lastman

- Stuart Smith, Rick Barichello, and Rose Reisman on rising food prices

- Dr. Jeff Kwong on Omicron in Ontario

- Lisa Levin on how Omicron is affecting Long Term Care

- And the best calls of the week!

Omicron in Ontario, and how listeners will be spending their holidays differently because of it.

Ottawa tells Canadians that now is not the time to travel abroad for non-essential trips.

Ontario expands COVID-19 booster rollout & Ottawa advises against international travel.