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COVID-19 Update & Survey: March 20

Mar 20, 2020

March 20 Update
COVID-19 and Ontario Museums
In this eNews Alert you will find:
  1. OMA Recommendations for Museum Support
  2. OMA Survey of the Impact of COVID-19 for Ontario Museums
  3. Record of Employment (ROE) Tip Sheet
 
The health and safety of our visitors, communities, and staff are a priority for our institutions. The OMA encourages all to exercise caution and act in alignment with the recommendations of public health and government authorities. 

The OMA is in touch with stakeholders to support our members, and will provide updates regularly as the situation progresses.

Please contact us with questions at community@museumsontario.ca. 
 
Provincial News
OMA Letter to Ministers MacLeod, Phillips, and McNaughton

On March 19, the Ontario Museum Association sent a letter to the Honourables Lisa MacLeod (Minister of Heritage, Tourism, Sport and Culture Industries), Rod Phillips (Minister of Finance) and Monte McNaughton (Minister of Labour, Training and Skills Development). The OMA recommended the following to the Ontario government:

COVID19 Support Measures for Ontario's Museums
  1. Ontario Museums Relief Fund
  2. Digital Response Fund
  3. Early (first quarter) distribution of Ontario funding for museums and heritage organizations (Community Museum Operating Grants, Heritage Organization Development Grants, and Provincial Heritage Organization Grants). 
  4. Expanded employment program and income support measures, and facilitated access to these programs are top concerns for all Ontarians, including Ontario's museums.
Read the letter HERE.

Support the OMA's recommendations by sending a letter to your local MPP. 

Download a template letter HERE.
Find your MPP's contact information HERE.
 
OMA Survey
OMA Launches Survey for Ontario Museums on the Impact of COVID-19

As part of the Ontario Museum Association’s role to represent the province’s museum sector to governments and funders, we have developed a short survey to collect up-to-date and sector-specific information on the impacts of COVID-19 for Ontario’s museums. We are asking for your assistance to provide this information so that we can advocate on your behalf.

We reviewed other heritage, tourism, and culture surveys; and will be collaborating with other organizations to share results of all of our work. 

Respond to the Survey HERE. 
 
Government Resources regarding
COVID-19
  • Ontario Ministry of Health dedicated website (updated twice daily): HERE 
    • General COVID-19 Information Sheets (available in multiple languages): HERE
  • Public Health Ontario: HERE 
  • Health Canada: HERE
Your local or regional government or health unit websites can also provide credible local information. 
 
Resources
 
Record of Employment (ROE) Tip Sheet

Young Associates has shared a tip sheet for completing Record of Employment (ROE) forms with respect to COVID-19. 

Read more HERE. 

Please note: shared for information, not to be taken as legal advice
 
The OMA has prepared a dedicated webpage of COVID-19 communications and resources, updated as new information and resources become available.


Read more HERE.
 
Please also consult the Resources section of the OMA website HERE. 
 
We're Here to Help!

For all questions or inquiries please contact the OMA: community@museumsontario.ca or call 416-348-8672 / 1-866-662-8672.

Marie G. Lalonde
Executive Director
mlalonde@museumsontario.ca