The Northern Ontario Libertarian Caucus is looking for some clarity over the reason the North Bay-Parry Sound District Health Unit is the only Ontario health unit that has shut down snowmobile trails and made skating on public outdoor rinks an illegal activity.
"The Northern Ontario Libertarian Caucus has been asking for clarification of the orders Dr. Chirico (chief medical officer) has put in place closing snowmobile trails and outdoor rinks," stated Keith Komar, the leader of the Ontario Libertarian Party.
"As of Feb 11th, the Health Unit has refused to provide answers. When asked to cite the specific provision within a specific act or regulation under which Dr. Chirico has the authority to close trails and outdoor rinks, the Health Unit has only responded with: 'On behalf of the Dr. Chirico, no further clarification will be provided pertaining to the authority of the Medical Officer of Health.'"
The letter below requests that the six elected officials on the board respond indicating whether they support Dr. Chirico's refusal to provide the authority under which he made the orders.
It also requests that those elected officials contact Dr. Chirico to ask him to rescind the decision to close snowmobile trails and outdoor rinks so that residents in the region are not deprived of their Family Day weekend activities, or otherwise encouraged to travel to other regions where those activities can be enjoyed.
See related: Health Unit closes OFSC snowmobile trails
During a Monday press conference, Dr. Chirico did not indicate whether these outdoor winter restrictions will continue after the order has been lifted on Feb. 16.
