By Judy Sgro - MPP Humber River - Black Creek
Friends,
The past few weeks have been challenging and the weeks ahead promise to be equally difficult. The new COVID-19 virus has moved from far-away places into our homes and communities and with it, comes heightened worry for us all. As your voice in Ottawa, and a member of our community, I want area residents to know that the federal government is working to keep our families and communities safe, support those who suffer job loss, ensure that grocery store shelves are full and to bring a return to normal as soon as possible.
Let me start by assuring you that Canada is strongly positioned to handle this crisis; a fact that has much to do with our incredible hospitals, doctors, nurses, researchers and other health care professionals. Whether you cite the research being done at York University or the world-class care available at the Humber River Hospital, we have much to be thankful for.
To help communities like ours, the federal Government announced over $27 billion worth of support to families and businesses. We expanded the Canada Childcare Benefit, increased GST credits, and created the Emergency Care Benefit to ensure no worker struggles to pay bills or put food on the table because of job-loss or lay-off. Put another way, the federal government is mobilized but continued success relies on our ability to stick together.
We hear a lot about social distancing; how we need to stay at home if we can, wash our hands well and often and avoid meeting in groups whenever possible. Remember, even someone who is not showing symptoms could be sick. Every contact you make assists in spreading the virus that could harm your friends or family. It is hard to not meet your friends for coffee, to have that extended family dinner, or play in your weekly card game, but it is critical to stop the spread. Remember that social distancing does not mean social isolation. Reaching out to friends and family on the telephone, staying in-touch via social media, and enjoying quality time with those in your own home are ways of maintaining social distance without being isolated.
Remember that we are stronger when we stick together.
While the Constituency Office remains temporarily closed to the public, we are still here when you need us.
Please do not hesitate to reach out to judy.sgro@parl.gc.ca or: 416-744-1882 if you have any questions or concerns.
We are here for you, and we will get through this together.
Sincerely,
Judy