Dear Friends,

I know the past few weeks have been really tough. You've been worried about what COVID-19 means for you, your family, your job, your business, and your future. These are uncertain times but my message to you is: the Government of Canada is here for you. 

To further protect the health and safety of Canadians, on Wednesday, the Minister of Health implemented the Quarantine Act, requiring everyone who enters Canada to self-isolate for 14 days upon arrival. Failure to comply could result in up to $750,000 in fines or jail time. We will not compromise on protecting Canadians and continue to review measures as necessary.

On Monday, our Government made significant progress in helping Canadians with the economic impact of COVID-19. We introduced and passed through Parliament - during an extraordinary emergency sitting - Bill C-13: An Act respecting certain measures in response to COVID-19. This Act ensures that our Government has the tools and flexibility to respond to any emerging challenges that we encounter as we work to protect and support Canadians during this challenging time.

On Wednesday, our Government also launched the Canada Emergency Response Benefit, which will provide $2,000 a month, for up to 4 months, to people who are not getting paid as a result of COVID-19. This will replace the two benefits we announced last week, to make it even simpler for you to get help. An application portal will launch as quickly as possible and people should start receiving money within 10 days of applying. Further information on this Benefit can be found further on in this Newsletter.

Since we entered this crisis, I have heard from many of you on the hardships you have faced and the concerns you have. We are living in an unprecedented time. We are committed to getting this right for Canadians. That said, the situation continues to evolve rapidly and we will need to adapt and respond accordingly. We might not get it perfect the first time, but I am committed to listening to you and advocating for you so that we can react and adjust to meet the needs of our community and our country.

On Friday, Prime Minister Trudeau announced further supports for small businesses dealing with the economic impacts of the pandemic. These measures will help Canadian businesses protect the jobs that Canadians depend on, and pay their workers and bills during these difficult times. 

I am happy to share that among the measures announced by the Prime Minister was a 75 per cent wage subsidy for qualifying businesses for up to 3 months retroactive to March 15th. I know a lot of Burlingtonians were concerned about this and I am happy to say we have delivered. For more information on supports to business, please keep reading on. 

Should you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact my office at [email protected] or leave a voicemail at (905) 639-5757. My team and I are here to support you. 

Friends, in times of crisis there is a desire to act. I've seen the courage of our community to respond to crises, to go out and volunteer to support those in need. In this crisis, the action you are called upon to do is to stay home, wash your hands frequently, and to practice physical distancing so that we can stop the spread of the virus. Your action, staying home, will help protect those who are going to work for us: healthcare workers, grocery store clerks, postal workers, and other essential service providers. We need to stay home so that they can stay at work for us. This act will take our courage, and it is the most important thing we can do right now to protect ourselves and our loved ones. 

Thank you for doing the right thing. 

Sincerely,


Hon. Karina Gould
Member of Parliament
Burlington

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