11-08-2021, 01:00 AM
Given that I haven't bothered to read the Bill, I can't comment on specifics. But my impression is that it takes away the CHO's sole power to impose health orders and instead places it in the hands of the government. In reality, that will temper the severity of health orders as the CHO's almost exclusive focus is on controlling pandemic outbreaks. The Government will have to take into account other interests such as the needs of the business and sports/entertainment sectors. The Government of the day will also have no ability to shift the blame for restrictions onto the CHO and will have to answer for any restrictions on a political level (even more than is currently the case).
Rather than being worried that it's too draconian, my concern would be that a future Liberal Government would use it to hobble any attempts to counter future pandemics as has been the case in Florida where Governor De Santis has attempted to ban mask mandates that mayors have sought to impose. But at least from a governance point of view, it makes sense to ensure health decisions are appropriately balanced against other interests.
Rather than being worried that it's too draconian, my concern would be that a future Liberal Government would use it to hobble any attempts to counter future pandemics as has been the case in Florida where Governor De Santis has attempted to ban mask mandates that mayors have sought to impose. But at least from a governance point of view, it makes sense to ensure health decisions are appropriately balanced against other interests.