Peterborough area MPPs vote no to safe re-opening of outdoor activities

NORTHUMBERLAND AND PETERBOROUGH — Peterborough area MPPs Dave Smith (Peterborough-Kawartha) and David Piccini (Northumberland-Peterborough South) voted no on Monday to safely and immediately re-opening outdoor amenities like golf courses, skateboard parks, and tennis courts.

Smith and Piccini teamed up with their Conservative colleagues to vote down an NDP motion that called on the Ford government to make activities and sports like these available to Ontarians again, since the experts say it’s safe — safer than asking people to be indoors.

“Skateboarding, hitting the links or playing tennis are activities that help people with their physical and mental health after months of anxiety and isolation,” said Ian Arthur, NDP MPP for Kingston and the Islands. “The Ford government shouldn’t be imposing restrictions on outdoor recreation amenities that experts say can be used safely right now.”

Arthur said it makes no sense to restrict activities that the government’s own advisors say should be open and allowed, and expressed surprise that the PC MPPs voted against both their own constituents, and science.

“I’m urging Mr. Smith and Mr. Piccini to reconsider their position and work with the NDP to safely re-open outdoor recreation amenities starting today. Let’s support the physical and mental health of Peterborough area families,” said Arthur.