Your morning briefing

Headlines

New data from Ontario's science advisory table shows the province is on track for a third wave, according to the Globe and Mail, which has seen the data in the report that will be published later today. Dr. Adalsteinn (Steini) Brown, co-chair of the Ontario COVID-19 Science Advisory Table, issued a stern warning about a variant-driven third wave a month ago. He is expected to make another presentation later today and the Globe has featured the "pandemic prognosticator" in a profile.

And do you remember where you were when you found out? It's been one year since the World Health Organization officially called the COVID-19 pandemic. The Star looks back at some of the last normal things people remember doing.

A group of 19 Ontario health-care organizations are asking you to light a candle today to honour the lives that have been lost.

This Thursday, RNAO & 19 health organizations ask the public to remember those who've died from #COVID19 & reflect on the hope that lies ahead by lighting a candle & sharing tributes on social media with #Candle4COVID & #TogetherWeCanDoIt.

Media advisory: https://t.co/eqaJsfsALV pic.twitter.com/3YdvEFiCxd

— RNAO (@RNAO) March 9, 2021

And in news so many of us can relate to, a judge granted a mistrial in the impaired driving case he was adjudicating after he was caught on an unmuted mic dropping an F-bomb during a break, the Star reports.

In case you missed our recent stories:

• Behavioural scientists advise Ontario government on 'tailoring to the reality'
• Some Ontario pharmacies and primary care providers begin booking COVID-19 shots, critics warn of 'free-for-all'
• Your question period briefing: 'Way, way out of proportion'
• In brief: Cash for homelessness programs, Ford's popularity slips, and more
• Minister says OHL season could begin soon, opens door to financial lifeline

In other news:

Ontario is "taking baby steps into the critical minerals sector," the Globe reports, by holding a public consultation with a goal of reducing red tape and attracting investment.

The federal government played hardball with the U.S. when then-President Donald Trump cut off Canada's supply of N-95 masks, the Star reports. That incident was also a turning point for Premier Doug Ford, who has said since it made him vow to never again rely on an international ally for something as vital as personal protective equipment.

More than 1,000 people have signed a petition asking the Ontario government to include restaurant workers on their list of essential front-line workers eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine in the next phase, CTV reports.

Meanwhile, auto parts manufacturer Linamar is planning to set up a community vaccination clinic that can deliver 2,000 shots a day, CP reports.

Concerns are mounting that housebound seniors, particularly those who lack family supports, will miss out on getting vaccinated, CBC reports.

A man who runs a long-term care home that hasn't had a single case of COVID-19 is being called a hero, CTV reports.

Meanwhile, an outbreak and the Ontario Police College has grown to over 100 cases, The Canadian Press reports.

A funeral home in Brampton has had its licence suspended for allowing 60 people to gather indoors, CTV reports.

Ontario schools will get more than $40 million in federal carbon tax revenue to become more energy-efficient, CP reports.

A government computer specialist fired after an alleged $11 million COVID-19 fraud is suing the province for wrongful dismissal with her lawyer claiming she was a victim, not a perpetrator, of her husband's wrongdoing, the Star reports.

Indigenous leaders expressed their "collective horror" at the sudden closure of several youth justice centres in northern Ontario, saying children and staff were traumatized when they were moved without notice, CP reports.

The Tyee looks at British Columbia's intervention in support of the Ontario government on its discretion to downgrade the number of municipal wards in Toronto in the midst of a campaign. BC is the only province to back Ontario in its Supreme Court case that will be heard on March 16.

In the opinion pages:

• Martin Regg Cohn proposes Ottawa Mayor Jim Watson for Governor General or lieutenant-governor.
• Brian Lilley says the premier let the cat of the bag on vaccine refusal among personal support workers.
• The Ford government is cheating Hamilton on promised LRT funding, writes a local city councillor.
• The pandemic hasn't made politics easy for Liberal Leader Steven Del Duca, writes Bob Hepburn.

Committees

9 a.m. and 1 p.m.

The Standing Committee on the Legislative Assembly will meet to consider Bill 245, An Act to amend and repeal various statutes, to revoke various regulations and to enact the Ontario Land Tribunal Act, 2021.

Bills and motions

Resuming the debate adjourned on March 10, 2021 on the motion for Second Reading of Bill 257, An Act to enact the Building Broadband Faster Act, 2021 and to make other amendments in respect of infrastructure and land use planning matters. Hon. Ms. Scott.

Second Reading of Bill 261, An Act to authorize the expenditure of certain amounts for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2021.

To be announced.

Ms. Berns-McGown – That, in the opinion of this House, the Ford Government should establish a rent relief program issued directly to residential tenants who have experienced financial hardship due to the COVID-19 pandemic to help ensure no tenant faces eviction for pandemic-related rent arrears or debts both during and after the pandemic.

Events

9:15

Peter Bethlenfalvy, minister of finance and president of the Treasury Board to make an announcement. Media studio, Queen's Park, Toronto.

10 a.m.

MPP France Gélinas and NDP health critic, to discuss her private member’s bill, "Temptation Be Gone." Media studio, Queen's Park, Toronto.

2 p.m.

Jill Dunlop, associate minister of children and women's issues will be joined by Sam Oosterhoff, parliamentary assistant to the minister of education and MPP for Niagara West, to make an announcement about anti-human trafficking initiatives. Zoom.

2 p.m.

Stephen Lecce, Minister of Education, will be joined by Raymond Cho, Minister for Seniors and Accessibility to make an announcement. Room 247, Queen's Park, Toronto. Teleconference.

3 p.m.

Dr. David Williams, Chief Medical Officer of Health, and Dr. Barbara Yaffe, Associate Chief Medical Officer of Health, to provide an update on COVID-19. Modelling to be presented by Dr. Adalsteinn (Steini) Brown, co-chair of the Ontario COVID-19 Science Advisory Table.