As Premier Doug Ford scrambles to put some meat on the bones of his vague plan for reopening the economy, he’s asking businesses to suggest regulatory shortcuts they need to help during the pandemic.

One day after releasing a 13-page “framework” for getting Ontario up and running again that has been panned for lacking any detail, Ford promised to deliver more information later this week.

The premier told reporters at his daily teleconference on Tuesday that “clear, sector-specific guidelines” would be made public within days.

That’s expected to address concerns raised by NDP Leader Andrea Horwath and Liberal Leader Steven Del Duca, among others, that his economic restart plan did not offer enough specifics for Ontarians.

On Monday, the Progressive Conservatives unveiled a “road map” to reopening without any dates or firm timelines. That suggests Ontario could remain shut down for months.

The report warned the province would need to see “a consistent two-to-four week decrease in the number of new daily COVID-19 cases” before any prohibitions could be lifted.

With sporting events, concerts, and large public gatherings “restricted for the foreseeable future,” it could be a spring and summer without the Raptors, Leafs, Blue Jays, Toronto FC, or Argonauts.

The province has been under a state of emergency since March 17 and all schools are closed until at least June 1.

Asked about a Quebec plan to reopen its schools starting May 11, Ford emphasized he had no regrets about playing it safe.

“I am not going to put our kids at risk,” he said.

Only essential businesses, such as supermarkets, pharmacies, and liquor and beer stores, are allowed to be open while restaurants are limited to serving takeout meals.

Ford touted his decision to liberalize Ontario’s restrictive liquor licensing rules to allow restaurants to serve wine, beer, and spirits to go as an example of the regulatory changes he is willing to make to help businesses.

“We want to do more,” he said.

To help, he launched a new online suggestion box for businesses to “submit any potential roadblocks” they are encountering, including challenges retooling their manufacturing equipment so they make gear needed during the pandemic.

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Promising the government would “show some flexibility in helping them to overcome challenges they may have never faced before,” the premier vowed that red tape would be slashed.

“This website will allow us to listen to and support businesses as they adapt to this new environment. At the same time, it should also make it easier for businesses to retool to produce the health-related supplies and equipment that our front-line workers need,” he said

Rocco Rossi, president and CEO of the Ontario Chamber of Commerce, said “reducing regulatory burdens caused by this crisis is greatly appreciated by the business community.”

“This is welcome news for Ontario business, as most have been overwhelmed with adapting to the reality of doing business during a pandemic, supporting public health efforts to contain COVID-19, or simply balancing a heavier workload,” said Rossi.

Robert Benzie is the Star’s Queen’s Park bureau chief and a reporter covering Ontario politics. Follow him on Twitter: @robertbenzie

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