On Friday, the Canada Job report was published for the month of April. These numbers tell us what we already know, Canadians are hurting as a result of this pandemic.

Everyone has their own story and experience through this situation but as Canadians we are not alone as the world faces COVID-19. Friends, neighbours, and community members alike have come together through this time of need to assist one another in providing supports. Whether its donating to a local food bank via a food drive, or going the extra step to check in on that neighbour you have not seen in a few days, these gestures of caremongering do not go unnoticed and will help us get through COVID-19 united.

As the weeks go on, I know many of you are getting frustrated but I can assure you that the Government of Canada has a plan to get you through this to get you back to work, and back to a more normal routine. While it will still take some time, we are working around the clock to update and adjust so that we can help as many workers, small businesses, families, and young Canadians as possible.

This past week, Prime Minister Trudeau announced that the Government of Canada was investing $252 million to support farmers, food businesses,and food processors who ensure that Canadians have access to the food they need and also up to $3 billion in support to increase the wages of low-income essential workers. These workers are risking their health to provide us with essential care and services and we need to make sure that they are paid properly for the work they do every day.

It is hard to think of more difficult times for our country, but Canada has faced challenges before. Last week marked the 75th Anniversary of the Liberation of the Netherlands on May 5th and Victory in Europe Day ending the Second World War on the continent on May 8th. As our generation faces our own battle, we should be inspired by our grandparents and great-grandparents who stood united and strong to ensure that we would live in peace and freedom.

The sacrifices that we are making are working. As of Friday, in Burlington, our city has had a total of 115 COVID-19 cases with 85 of them having recovered. If we continue to work hard and physically distance, we can ensure that our community transmission remains low and that are hospital is not overwhelmed.

This weekend, we celebrate Mother’s Day, a time to say thanks to all moms who work tirelessly every day to build a better future for their kids and communities – including many working hard right now to keep us safe or help take care of loved ones.

I know this year’s Mother’s Day is a little different, but be sure to reach out to your mother or grandmother and let them know you appreciate them for the love, leadership,and determination to help build a better future for all of us.

From one mother to another, Happy Mother’s Day.

Sincerely,

Hon. Karina Gould

Member of Parliament

Burlington

To continue reading, please consult the link found here.