Dear Members

The Board of Directors would like to pass on the following letter from a Member of Parliament with some very useful information in regards to COVID-19:

To the Constituents of Vancouver South:

I want to let each and every one of you know that my team and I are here for you during this difficult time. We know that many in our community are worried about the health of their loved ones and businesses are struggling with the impacts from COVID-19. During these challenging times, it is more important than ever to come together as a community. There are a few things we can all do to help.

1.       Stay home and limit all non-essential gatherings.

2.       Limit physical contact with people in higher risk groups, such as seniors and those in poor health.

3.       Wash your hands often for a minimum of 20 seconds.

4.  Avoid touching surfaces that people often touch

It is crucial for us to continue taking these measures to reduce the spread of this virus. If you are showing any symptoms of COVID-19, such as fever, cough, or difficult breathing, you must isolate yourself at home for 14 days to avoid spreading it to others.
 
If you are showing symptoms and are wondering what to do next the Government of Canada has a COVID-19 Symptom Self-Assessment Tool that can help guide you. You can access it here.  https://covid19.thrive.health/
 
But we know in these extraordinary times, families and businesses are also worried about paying their bills. No Canadian should have to worry about paying their rent or putting food on the table. We are here for you. As part of the first phase of Canada’s COVID-19 Economic Response Plan, we are providing $27 billion in direct support to Canadian workers and businesses.
 
Whether you are self-employed, a small business owner or an entrepreneur, you shouldn’t have to worry about losing your business or your livelihood. This is why we are helping by providing small businesses with wage subsidies, establishing a Business Credit Availability Program and deferring tax payments. Find out about all of our support to businesses here: https://www.canada.ca/en/department finance/economic-response-plan.html


We also know that families and individuals also need support to help them get through these tough times. We are moving forward with a plan to support Canadians, by putting more money in their pockets by:

  • Increasing the Canada Child Benefit to families
  • Improving access to Employment Insurance sickness benefits
  • Creating the Emergency Support Benefit for those who can’t work and aren’t covered by Employment Insurance
  • Proposing an increase on the GST credit for low and modest-income Canadians
  • Placing a 6 month interest-free pause on the need to repay Canada Student Loans

    There are also additional supports that our Government is putting in place. See how we can help you get through this time here:  https://www.canada.ca/en/department-finance/economic-response-plan/covid19-individuals.html#increasing_canada_child_benefit

Additional Tools and Resources:

·         As more Canadians are engaging in social distancing to prevent the spread of #COVID-19, some of our friends and neighbours might be struggling with #MentalHealth issues. Taking the time to connect with loved ones helps counter the effects of isolation.

       For more Information visit: https://cmha.ca/news/6-tips-to-respond-to-employee-anxiety-about-covid-19

·        For information on accessing EI Benefits: https://www.canada.ca/en/services/benefits/ei.html

·        For EI Enquiries: 1-800-206-7218

·        For Information and resources on how the government is helping small businesses: https://www.Canada.ca/covid-19-business

Returning to Canada

Prime Minister Trudeau and Hon. François-Philippe Champagne, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Canada, are working hard to bring Canadians and Permanent Residents back home from across the globe. Minister Champagne and the Government are actively assessing options, but this is truly a historic and unprecedented situation and it is not inconceivable that some travelers may have to remain on location longer than initially planned due to the crisis. It is their recommendation that the travelers follow the advice of local health authorities and the World Health Organization for their own health and safety. Securing return home via commercial means is recommended, however we are actively working with other governments and airlines to find timely resolutions. 

·         If you have loved ones abroad, please ensure they are registered with Global Affairs Canada. Register at the link provided:

https://travel.gc.ca/travelling/registration

·         It is important to continuously follow the local High Commission for updates regarding the local situation

·         The Canadian Government has announced an emergency loan program for Canadians abroad. Canadians abroad directly impacted by COVID-19 will have the option of applying for an emergency loan of up to $5,000 to help secure their timely return to Canada and to temporarily cover their life-sustaining needs while they work toward their return. More information is available here:

https://www.canada.ca/en/global-affairs/news/2020/03/government-of-canada-to-provide-financial-assistance-to-canadians-abroad.html

At this time, it is important to remain patient, knowing that we will get through this together. My constituency office is available remotely to help the residents of Vancouver South by answering your questions about how the government is helping you during this difficult time. Our office is committed to supporting you in any way that we possibly can. As the Member of Parliament for Vancouver South, I would like to assure you that I will be with you every step of the way through this extraordinary time. If we do our part, I am confident we can work towards a strong recovery. When Canadians help each other and work together, we can achieve anything.

My constituency office is temporarily extending its availability to 7 days a week from 9AM to 6PM to serve your needs until April 1st. We can be reached via email at harjit.sajjan@parl.gc.ca or by phone at (604) 775-5323

Please stay connected and safe, we will get through this together.

Sincerely,

Hon. Harjit S. Sajjan

Member of Parliament

Vancouver South 

Follow me on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram for the latest updates:

Facebook: /Harjit.Sajjan.7

Twitter: @HarjitSajjan

Instagram: /harjitsajjan