I understand these are worrying times. I want to assure you that the time to act and stop the spread of COVID-19 is now.

It is up to us. We have the opportunity to stem the spread of COVID-19 by practicing physical distancing and staying home, especially if we’re feeling unwell. The measures the government is putting in place are precautionary in order to avoid the crisis situation other countries around the world are facing.

As the prime minister has made clear: the Government of Canada will do everything necessary to protect the health, safety and economic security of Canadians. We have closed our borders to foreign nationals, are repatriating Canadians stuck abroad, have put in place new measures for employment insurance, a new Emergency Care Benefit for those who must take time off work due to sickness, caring for someone who is sick or a child who cannot go to school or daycare. We have also put in place measures to support businesses through this difficult time. As Prime Minister Trudeau said, we want Canadians to focus on their health and the health of their loved ones. Your federal government will be there for you.

If you have recently returned from abroad, you must self-isolate for a period of 14 days. You cannot go to the grocery story or pharmacy. Please ask a friend, family or neighbour to do your shopping for you and drop it off.

I also want to reassure our community that we have adequate food and medicine supplies. Please do not hoard food or medicine. We need to make sure it is available for our most vulnerable. Additionally, our food banks and shelters need additional support during these extraordinary times. Please consider making a monetary donation to our front line charitable organizations who are facing increased demand with fewer resources available to them.