Ontario Health Minister Says Masks Are a ‘Personal Choice’ Amid Calls for Return to Mandate

Sylvia Jones, deputy premier and minister of health, shakes hands with Premier Doug Ford as she takes her oath at the swearing-in ceremony at Queen’s Park in Toronto on June 24, 2022. Nathan Denette/The Canadian Press

Amid calls from some for a renewed provincial mask mandate, Ontario Health Minister Sylvia Jones told reporters outside the legislature on Nov. 16 that wearing a mask is a personal decision.

“Personal choice is important here, and we should not be passing judgment on people who wear a mask or not wear a mask,” she said while wearing a mask. “We all make individual choices.”

The legislature was divided over the issue on Nov. 15, and again on Nov. 16 during question period, with all but 12 members of the Progressive Conservatives not wearing a mask, including Doug Ford. All of the opposition politicians wore masks.

Two days earlier, at a news conference announcing an extension of gas tax cuts, the premier recommended that people “wear a mask.”

The Ontario Liberals have demanded a return to mandatory masking in schools and on public transit, as have some in the health care field.

On Nov. 14, Ontario’s chief medical officer of health Dr. Kieran Moore said he is “strongly recommending” residents wear masks indoors amid the onset of a combination of three respiratory viruses—COVID-19, seasonal respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), and influenza—which he said are contributing to the increased hospitalization of sick children.

Moore did not mandate masks but did recommend that all Ontarians wear masks indoors when around vulnerable populations, such as young children and seniors.

The Public Health Agency declared an influenza epidemic on Nov. 15, which happens most years when the flu positivity rate goes over five percent.

Provinces Reject Mandates

Alberta’s new premier Danielle Smith has said she will not bring back mask mandates, but that “anyone that feels comfortable to wear a mask should wear a mask.”

B.C. Health Minister Adrian Dix said on Nov. 15 that the government had no plans for another mandatory mask mandate but they were recommended in case of illness.

“The message is the same, guidance, especially if you have some form of respiratory illness, even a cold, to wear a mask, especially among vulnerable people,” Dix said.

In Saskatchewan, all masking mandates were dropped on Feb. 28.

“Masking will not be mandatory. It is important that everyone is kind and respectful of individuals’ choices,” says the current provincial recommendations.

Manitoba premier Heather Stefanson said on Nov. 10 that the province had no plans to re-introduce a mask mandate.

“Respiratory virus season comes every year at this time. And you know, we’re seeing an uptick in that, of course. But, for right now, we’re not looking at any mask mandates,” she said. “I encourage people who are maybe feeling a little under the weather, please, protect others. Do wear a mask if you’re out and about in public,” Stefanson added.

In Quebec, meanwhile,  premier François Legault told reporters on Nov. 15 that there was no intention to mandate masks again in public places. The Premier said masks would be recommended, but the decision was a personal one.

“There is no question of reintroducing mandatory masks in public places,” he said.