Toronto Mayor John Tory says no new measures are planned immediately, but says the declaration gives him the tools to respond quickly if further steps are needed to limit the spread of COVID-19. Tory said he has been distressed by images of people going about their business as usual and not heeding public health advice to practice social distancing.

Tory says he would like to see city streets looking relatively empty, saying such an image would show that city residents are taking the pandemic seriously.

In addition, Premier Doug Ford announced the closure of all non-essential services in the province to shut down by 11:59 p.m. Tuesday.

British Columbia

The British Columbia government is spending $5 billion to help support the province’s economy during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Premier John Horgan says it is a stressful time for people and businesses, and help is needed now.

Horgan says the province is spending $2.8 billion on people and services, and $2.2 billion on businesses and economic recovery in the future.

Horgan says the plan includes direct payments to people as well as deferment of payments.

He says there will be targeted tax relief and support for renters to make sure no one is evicted because of the novel coronavirus.

Vancouver Mayor Kennedy Stewart says now is the time to “shut down, stay put, save lives.”

He made the statement in a tweet shortly after Vancouver council held an online meeting to vote unanimously in favour of tough penalties for anyone violating efforts to halt the spread of COVID-19.

Following last week’s declaration of local emergency, council has approved fines of up to $50,000 on businesses and $1,000 for residents who ignore procedures aimed at ensuring social distancing.

During discussion of the motion, the city’s legal adviser told council that police officers and fire fighters would have the authority to issue the fines.

New Brunswick

New Brunswick Premier Blaine Higgs says the focus has been on the American border, but he would like to see some standardization on closing borders interprovincially. Higgs says he’s in favour of the prime minister triggering the Emergencies Act.

He says it would start to unify Canada’s approach to dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic.