I have followed the Cardinal's request - below is my letter

To Christine Hogarth, MPP, Etobicoke-Lakeshore

Dear Christine,

The letter below was written by a professional marketing expert hired and paid for from the cathedraticum of the faithful. I do not agree with the genteel language, though I support the theme. As much as it is a disgrace on your part and that of Premier Ford, the lateness of our Catholic Archbishop to this matter is scandalous and repugnant. But, I suppose it is better late than never. I have written you numerous times and have spoken with your staff. While your staff are to be commended for their understanding that is only as far as any praise can go.

Yesterday, I drove down Allanhurst Road in Etobicoke to find a crew of dozens and dozens on a movie crew. Yet, every Saturday we see people arrested at Dundas Square for executing their God-given and constitutionally protected rights to gather and protest the diktats of government overlords. We see pastors and people fined and threatened with imprisonment. When did we become China! Has it's virus infected our brains as well as our bodies?

The Cardinal, to his shame, has ceased the public offering of Holy Mass because he could not grasp how to cope with the ten person limit. This is his doing, not Ford's. However, the person limit itself is non-sensical. Thirty-percent is a bare minimum. This action on your part and that of the Government which I voted for is a disgraceful infringement on religious rights. It is repugnant and you are responsible for it.

Shame on you and your colleagues, except for Roman Baber and Belinda  Karahalios who had the courage of conscience and their convictions. Doug Ford has proved himself to be a dictator and has succeeded in silencing you as my Member of the Provincial Parliament and that is a disgrace which will be remembered on election day.

Here is the Cardinal's His Excellency Mr. Neil MacCarthy's recommendation who, as with the GSA's is "handling it."

Dear Christine Hogarth

I am grateful for your service, especially over the past year. I am writing today as someone who finds comfort in my faith and recognizes the essential work undertaken by places of worship throughout the province.

That’s why it’s so hard to understand the restrictions currently in place for religious organizations. In grey (lockdown) areas, only 10 people can be inside a church, temple, mosque or synagogue. Yet retailers can open up at 25% capacity. This inequity must be addressed immediately. 

I have seen first-hand the impact that my local faith community has provided to those in need, offering spiritual, mental and physical support. Many of those they serve do not have access to technology and need to gather in person. This has been done in a safe and responsible manner for many months. A strict limit of 10 people in a facility that can accommodate hundreds or even thousands does not make sense. 

Please advocate for places of worship and address this inequity as soon as possible with your colleagues. Any future restrictions should be based on capacity and the current restrictions must be amended as soon as possible. 

Thank you for sharing these concerns directly with your colleagues and Premier Ford. I await your reply regarding this extremely important issue.