FEEDBACK: Here's what you had to say about recent news

At the bottom of all of our local stories, readers now have the option of submitting feedback. Here's what SooToday readers had to say about what was making news over the last week:

April 7:

Councillor believes public art shouldn't just be downtown

It would be nice to see more wall murals such as the artwork on buildings downtown. The Food Basics Pine Street laneway has a huge wall that would please a lot of locals to see that brightly painted by an artist.
l- Steven

Local Chamber calls for accelerated vaccine rollout amid stay-at-home order

It is definitely time to hold the Algoma Public Health accountable. As a community we should know why we are not up to par with everyone else. The Sault is very far behind with vaccinations. Even Elliott Lake has more people vaccinated than the Sault. It is time as a community we hold them accountable so our lives can have some normalcy.
- Stef B

Doug Ford shoots back at claims that sick leave is needed to survive in the pandemic

It's simple. The government has already helped many large companies with wage subsidies, and many of those companies have made good profits from it. It's time for companies to actually help their employees, and provide paid sick leave for those who need it. Doug does not want to upset his large political donors, so he shoots back claiming it's already available from the government. Well, that is tax payers money. So it's really we the people who are paying for our own sick leave benefits provided by the government. Make the companies do their share Doug, don't be afraid to tell them it's their turn to help out.
- Hans

Try doing a practical example. Worker thinks they are sick. First day, try to get COVID test. Worker does not work. Maybe gets test results late day two. If negative, no sick pay. Two days pay lost. If positive, cannot apply until off work three days, then can apply. Must have computer to apply and be able to read English or French. Then file claim. Still no money. When claim paid by feds $500 less $50 tax per week. This is less than minimum wage of $14. Already without money for at least a week and a half if worker is sick. So how many workers are going to use this crazy benefit?
- Chris H. 

April 6:

WATCH: Ontario Moving to Phase 2 of COVID-19 vaccine distribution plan

I am one of the 108,000 Ontarians that, according to Premier Ford, have not booked an appointment for a COVID shot. Trust me, premier Ford, it isn't for lack of trying. I have called multiple time only to receive a message that essentially says "Go away, don't bother us, there is no room for you."
- Robert E.

April 5:

COVID-19: Here's the situation in the Sault today

As there were so many people who could not get to the phones or online to get an appointment, perhaps using volunteers to handle phone lines would help in making your vision more successful. I am very concerned that there are still 80 plus of age who have not been vaccinated. One day for baby boomers isn't enough time - a concerned 74-year-old in precarious health.
- Theresa S.

April 4:

LETTER: Advocate calls for national standards for long-term care homes

It’s about time, I pulled my mom from a local retirement home and had it investigated. On multiple occasions she did not receive medications required for life and high dose painkillers (causing severe withdrawals - resulting in a trip to the hospital never to return to the home but to my home until she passed years later). I am surprised the RHRA wasn’t provided in this article, it took me several months of contacting members of parliament the Ministry of Health and Longterm Care to finally get their information. RHRA is the Retirement Home Reglatory Association whom can be contacted if questionable care of a loved one in a home transpires. Good luck, after what I witnessed in a retirement home and the hospital while caring for my mom, this is a cause that is critical to those who cared for us and protected us as children!
- Valery N. 

Having worked 28 years in LTC I can confirm that Ms. Dellavedova has hit the nail smack on the head. Well written and insightful. It’s a long road but we owe it to our seniors. Canadians should be ashamed of themselves for not seeing this sooner. This travesty is NOT new and it can’t be ignored any longer.
- Martha K.

April 3: 

Potential exposure at Sault jail as three new COVID-19 cases identified by APH

So why are the staff at all the SSM detention centres not being immunized against COVID? Transfers are arriving from hot zones without screening done prior to the transfer.
- Elizabeth C.

Local eateries want regional approach to COVID shutdowns

Romano has been just as invisible as Terry Sheehan. We cannot get government representation in the north, by the feds, or prov. We do not have a voice.
- Dave A.