‘Give us some guidelines’: Business groups push government for clarity on reopening
By his own admission, Ontario Premier Doug Ford has been under a lot of pressure recently to reopen his province’s economy, which has been restrained by measures designed to combat the spread of the new coronavirus. “I’m getting lobbied hard by so many different groups and organizations,” Ford told reporters recently. “But it’s easy to say, ‘Open, open, open,’ until we get a second wave of this and it bites us in the backside.” Canada’s business community is not demanding a full and immediate return to the pre-virus status quo, but the country is nearing two months of living under the coronavirus pandemic and the attempts by government to rein in its spread. That has some businesses groups ramping up the pressure on the federal and provincial governments to either cough up more details about reopening the economy, or to allow for a bit more wiggle-room in areas where it makes sense and can be done safely. “They certainly are keen to open up again,” Ontario Finance Minister Rod Phillips told the Post in an interview this week. Phillips complimented the business community for its response so far to the crisis, but said that businesses are under a lot of pressure, which in turn creates pressure to loosen up the economy. “They want to know how to do that and how to do that safely. And they want the opportunity to (do it).” Complicating things at the moment are the sheer number of provincial and municipal governments that businesses have to deal with — the effects and the response to the coronavirus have varied across the country, which could make for an uneven economic restart.
A boarded up business on Yonge Street in North York, Ont.
Ernest Doroszuk/Toronto Sun/Postmedia files
Canada’s political leaders have been trying to provide guidance, with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and the premiers announcing Tuesday they had agreed to a set of common principles for restarting the Canadian economy. The announced criteria required for a restart included ensuring COVID-19 transmission is under control and monitoring workplace protocols to ensure Canadians are safe on the job. More blanks could still need to be filled in. The Canadian Chamber of Commerce had suggested national guidelines for reopening, and pushed again on Tuesday to align reopening policies and requirements wherever possible to keep costs and confusion for businesses to a minimum. It’s easy to say, ‘Open, open, open,’ until we get a second wave of this and it bites us in the backside Ontario Premier Doug Ford “If we have simply a hodgepodge of competing standards in terms of what for a retail operation, for example, would be permissible, and it varies from municipality to municipality, it makes it very difficult for a company to be able to supply materials and advice to people running their stores across the country,” said Perrin Beatty, the chamber’s president and CEO, in an interview on Monday. The Business Council of Canada had likewise sought agreement “on a common set of risk-informed protocols and guidelines for workplaces and public settings such as schools, universities, parks, and public transit,” wrote Goldy Hyder, president and CEO of the council, in an April 16 open letter to the prime minister and premiers. The food-service industry is also looking to the government for “guideposts,” said James Rilett, the central Canada vice-president for industry group Restaurants Canada. Restaurants want clarity and consistency on issues such as which phase of reopening will include dining rooms, and what restrictions they can expect when it does happen.
A closed restaurant in Toronto.
Chris Helgren/Reuters files
Ontario’s government on Monday released details about its “gradual approach” to reopening the economy, including that it could eventually allow businesses ordered to close to adjust their operations and reopen with curbside pickup or delivery. Ford, however, called this framework “a roadmap … not a calendar,” and one that gives a steady two-to-four week decrease in the number of new COVID-19 cases as a condition of easing public-health measures. The business community has been on board with blunt policies to try to flatten the coronavirus curve, but some small businesses have had to entirely shut down while their big-box competitors have been able to stay open because they also sell groceries, according to Dan Kelly, president, CEO and chair of the Canadian Federation of Independent Business. In Ontario, at least, small firms could now still have to wait a few weeks before doing delivery or pick-up operations. “It feels like that there is some room to learn from what’s happened over the last six, seven weeks and … to allow at least a trace of an economic heartbeat in more small companies,” Kelly said. All of the provinces have been sensitive to the issues facing businesses, Kelly said. That does not mean government is about to stop hearing from them or their representatives, though. It feels like that there is some room to learn from what's happened over the last six, seven weeks and ... to allow at least a trace of an economic heartbeat in more small companies Dan Kelly “I do think it’s important that the business community start to push a little bit to say ‘OK, we’re not saying open this up, but how about rethinking some of the rules, or give us some guidelines by which we could open up if we satisfy these five conditions,’” Kelly said. Crises always lead to an increase in talks between business and government, according to Public Affairs Association of Canada President Ryan Eickmeier. “Because of how unprecedented, at least in recent history, the current situation is for businesses, they are putting an increased emphasis on their lobbying efforts to try and ensure their sectors are part of recovery efforts,” Eickmeier said in an email. “On the other side, government officials benefit from the business community’s input to help inform their efforts to re-open the economy, in line with the advice of our chief medical officers.” Beatty said he has had more calls initiated by ministers and the prime minister in the last two months than in the previous four years. “There’s a genuine interest to be consultative,” he added. Financial Post • Email:
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SIMMONS: Martin Brodeur is the slam-dunk of this Hockey Hall of Fame class
New Post has been published on https://nhlrumormill.com/simmons-martin-brodeur-is-the-slam-dunk-of-this-hockey-hall-of-fame-class/
SIMMONS: Martin Brodeur is the slam-dunk of this Hockey Hall of Fame class
On Hockey Hall of Fame Friday, Martin Brodeur stands a little taller, walks a little faster, talks a little louder and reaches beyond the crowd.
Even among the five greats being inducted alongside him.
There may have been questions about the elections of Gary Bettman and Willie O’Ree in the builders category. There may have been questions about Jayna Hefford, as there are every year about women and whether any will be welcomed. There may have been doubts about Martin St. Louis, first time eligible, who is used to being overlooked. And as for Alexander Yakushev, well, he’s been passed over for decades, so he’d probably given up any hope in getting to the Hall, if he ever believed it to be possible.
But it’s different for Brodeur. He’s different, he’s an outlier, an original: The slam dunk of this class. The slam dunk of any class.
If his vote wasn’t 18-0 among the Hall selection committee, then whomever voted against him should be asked to leave immediately.
There has never been anyone like Brodeur before, and there may never be anyone like him again. The way he played. The number of games he played. The style he played. The records he broke. The way he moved the puck.
The 2018 Inductees into the Hockey Hall of Fame during a presentation at the Hockey Hall of Fame in Toronto, Ont. on Friday November 9, 2018. From left – Gary Bettman, Martin Brodeur, Jayna Hefford, Willie O’Ree, Martin St. Louis and Aleksander Yakushev. Ernest Doroszuk/Toronto Sun/Postmedia
The 2018 Inductees into the Hockey Hall of Fame during a presentation at the Hockey Hall of Fame in Toronto, Ont. on Friday November 9, 2018. From left – Gary Bettman, Martin Brodeur, Jayna Hefford, Willie O’Ree, Martin St. Louis and Aleksander Yakushev. Ernest Doroszuk/Toronto Sun/Postmedia
The 2018 Inductees into the Hockey Hall of Fame during a presentation at the Hockey Hall of Fame in Toronto, Ont. on Friday November 9, 2018. From left – Gary Bettman, Martin Brodeur, Jayna Hefford, Willie O’Ree, Martin St. Louis and Aleksander Yakushev. Ernest Doroszuk/Toronto Sun/Postmedia
2018 Hockey Hall of Fame Inductees Jayna Hefford, Willie OÕRee and Martin St. Louis after receiving their rings during a presentation at the Hockey Hall of Fame in Toronto, Ont. on Friday November 9, 2018. Ernest Doroszuk/Toronto Sun/Postmedia
The 2018 Inductees into the Hockey Hall of Fame during a presentation at the Hockey Hall of Fame in Toronto, Ont. on Friday November 9, 2018. From left – Gary Bettman, Martin Brodeur, Jayna Hefford, Willie O’Ree, Martin St. Louis and Aleksander Yakushev. Ernest Doroszuk/Toronto Sun/Postmedia
The 2018 Inductees into the Hockey Hall of Fame during a presentation at the Hockey Hall of Fame in Toronto, Ont. on Friday November 9, 2018. From left – Gary Bettman, Martin Brodeur, Jayna Hefford, Willie O’Ree, Martin St. Louis and Aleksander Yakushev. Ernest Doroszuk/Toronto Sun/Postmedia
Lanny McDonald (left), Chairman of the Hockey Hall of Fame, shares a moment on the stage with 2018 Hockey Hall of Fame inductee Gary Bettman, during a presentation at the Hockey Hall of Fame in Toronto, Ont. on Friday November 9, 2018.. Ernest Doroszuk/Toronto Sun/Postmedia
Lanny McDonald (left), Chairman of the Hockey Hall of Fame, presents the ring to 2018 Hockey Hall of Fame inductee Aleksander Yakushev, during a presentation at the Hockey Hall of Fame in Toronto, Ont. on Friday November 9, 2018.. Ernest Doroszuk/Toronto Sun/Postmedia
Lanny McDonald, Chairman of the Hockey Hall of Fame, presents the ring to 2018 Hockey Hall of Fame inductee Martin St. Louis, during a presentation at the Hockey Hall of Fame in Toronto, Ont. on Friday November 9, 2018.. Ernest Doroszuk/Toronto Sun/Postmedia
2018 Hockey Hall of Fame Inductees Jayna Hefford and Willie OÕRee after receiving their rings during a presentation at the Hockey Hall of Fame in Toronto, Ont. on Friday November 9, 2018. Ernest Doroszuk/Toronto Sun/Postmedia
2018 Hockey Hall of Fame Inductees Jayna Hefford and Willie OÕRee after receiving their rings during a presentation at the Hockey Hall of Fame in Toronto, Ont. on Friday November 9, 2018. Ernest Doroszuk/Toronto Sun/Postmedia
Willie OÕRee, walks past fellow 2018 Hockey Hall of Fame Inductees Gary Bettman and Martin Brodeur after receiving his ring during a presentation at the Hockey Hall of Fame in Toronto, Ont. on Friday November 9, 2018. Ernest Doroszuk/Toronto Sun/Postmedia
Lanny McDonald, Chairman of the Hockey Hall of Fame, presents one of the 2018 Inductees into the Hockey Hall of Fame – Willie OÕRee – with his ring during a presentation at the Hockey Hall of Fame in Toronto, Ont. on Friday November 9, 2018. Ernest Doroszuk/Toronto Sun/Postmedia
Lanny McDonald, Chairman of the Hockey Hall of Fame, presents one of the 2018 Inductees into the Hockey Hall of Fame – Willie OÕRee – with his ring during a presentation at the Hockey Hall of Fame in Toronto, Ont. on Friday November 9, 2018. Ernest Doroszuk/Toronto Sun/Postmedia
Lanny McDonald, Chairman of the Hockey Hall of Fame, presents the ring to 2018 Hockey Hall of Fame inductee Jayna Hefford, during a presentation at the Hockey Hall of Fame in Toronto, Ont. on Friday November 9, 2018.. Ernest Doroszuk/Toronto Sun/Postmedia
The 2018 Inductees into the Hockey Hall of Fame – Gary Bettman (left) and Martin Brodeur looks at their rings during a presentation at the Hockey Hall of Fame in Toronto, Ont. on Friday November 9, 2018. Ernest Doroszuk/Toronto Sun/Postmedia
Lanny McDonald, Chairman of the Hockey Hall of Fame, presents the ring to 2018 Hockey Hall of Fame inductee Martin Brodeur, during a presentation at the Hockey Hall of Fame in Toronto, Ont. on Friday November 9, 2018.. Ernest Doroszuk/Toronto Sun/Postmedia
Gary Bettman, 2018 Hockey Hall of Fame inductee looks are the ring he was just presented during a presentation at the Hockey Hall of Fame in Toronto, Ont. on Friday November 9, 2018.. Ernest Doroszuk/Toronto Sun/Postmedia
Lanny McDonald (left), Chairman of the Hockey Hall of Fame, presents the ring to 2018 Hockey Hall of Fame inductee Gary Bettman, during a presentation at the Hockey Hall of Fame in Toronto, Ont. on Friday November 9, 2018.. Ernest Doroszuk/Toronto Sun/Postmedia
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I never thought anybody would beat Terry Sawchuk’s mark of 103 shutouts. Brodeur ended his career with 125.
I never thought anybody could start 70 games, year after year. Brodeur did it 12 times. The giants of his day — Patrick Roy, Dominik Hasek, Ed Belfour — combined to start more than 70 games four times.
He played a style you can’t really explain. The best often do.
He wasn’t a copycat butterfly goalie the way so many NHL goalies are today.
He wasn’t a standup goalie, the way so many who came before him were. He was a little of this and a little of that.
He was something of a hybrid, a part stand-up, part-butterfly goalie who rocked back and forth on his skates. When asked on Friday what his style was, he laughed and said: “Who knows?”
New Jersey Devils goaltender Martin Brodeur hoists the Stanley Cup after beating the Anaheim Mighty Ducks in the 2003 Stanley Cup final. THE CANADIAN PRESS FILE
When he came to the end of his career — and he stayed for every last second he could in the NHL — he had more wins than any goalie who had ever played. Of all his marks — the three Stanley Cups, the four Vezinas, the rookie of the year, the two Olympic gold medals — that’s the one that matters most to him. Brodeur was pragmatic to the end of his career.
“I don’t care what you say, if your goalie isn’t stopping the puck, you’re not winning the game, said Brodeur.
It sounds both basic and simple, but it’s neither of those things. New Jersey never had to worry about who was playing goal, or what kind of goal he was going to play: He started 1,471 games, regular-season and playoffs, and he happened to be on the winning team 804 times. Hasek played in 854 games in total, and would be top-three on anybody’s list of the greatest ever. Brodeur, as always, is in the conversation.
“I was the best,” said Brodeur. “Just ask him (my dad).”
He is the Hall of Famer of Hall of Famers in this class. A son of a goalie, whose dad the wonderful photographer, passed away five years ago.
“You wish that everybody you love and who supported you could be here,” said Brodeur. “For me, I’ve lived so many experiences with my family through the Olympic games and Stanley Cup runs and the NHL awards. I know this is the biggest one. They’ll be up there and they’ll enjoy it.”
He was talking about his father Denis, the goalie-turned-photographer. He was talking about his brother Claude, who passed away not that long ago.
This is something you’d want to share with everyone and, quietly and privately and outwardly, he is sharing the weekend with those who have made it here, and those who are gone.
Of his father, who played goal for Team Canada at an Olympics, Brodeur said: “I think he lived, what he wanted to live, through me.”
Brodeur, who now works on the business side of operations for the Devils, watched the Leafs game on Friday night while sitting beside his long-time goaltending coach Jacques Caron. Lou Lamoriello, who drafted him, is coming for the ceremony on Monday, and so is former coach Larry Robinson.
It’s a time to celebrate, a time to take stock of everything that has happened, a time to reflect on who is here and who isn’t.
A time to realize how goaltending has changed, how hockey has changed, how a game that once had Brodeur, Roy, Hasek and Belfour doesn’t have a definitive best goalie anymore.
A time to take it all in, the adulation, the celebration, the once-in-a-lifetime experience.
“This is as good as it gets,” said Brodeur, flashing his brand-new Hall of Fame ring. “This is the ultimate. This is a great moment.
“And this is it, the last hurrah, the last recognition I’m going to get.”
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