Historically, the Victoria Day long weekend is the kick off of our summer as Canadians. The trees are in bloom, the weather is getting a little warmer, and we are all excited to get outdoors and enjoy the sun and fresh air. I know this year is a little different. At a time where you might usually head north and open your cottage for the season or head down to Spencer Smith Park and enjoy the fireworks display, the COVID-19 Pandemic continues to change our routines and challenge us to maintain our physical distancing.

I want to assure you, the sacrifices that we are making today are worth it. By delaying going to the cottage for a few more weeks and avoiding large gatherings, we continue to flatten the curve. The longer we do this, the longer we are able to keep ourselves protected and reduce the possibility of a resurgence of this virus in our community.

Canadians have been doing the right things these past weeks. With that I am happy to share that some National Parks will be partially re-opening so that people in those areas can use trails and green spaces where physical distancing is possible. Further, on June 1st, new regulations on boating will come into effect.

This past week was National Nursing week, a time to recognize the incredible contributions that nurses make to our daily lives every day of the year. Throughout the response to COVID-19, nurses have stepped up to provide exceptional leadership, coordination and support. Whether on the front lines, behind the scenes, or providing surge capacity to a partnering organization, they have been central to Canada’s response.

Some other positive news in our community is that last week, Minister of Veteran’s Affairs, the Honourable Lawrence MacAulay announced that the Chronic Pain Centre of Excellence for Canadian Veterans was officially launched at McMaster University’s Faculty of Health Sciences. While the mandate of the Centre of Excellence focuses on Veterans, its research-based learnings may ultimately help both Veterans and civilians alike and improve understanding and care of chronic pain for all Canadians.

Last week, the Province of Ontario also announced the first stage of reopening businesses. On Tuesday, businesses with street front entrances are able to reopen. I encourage you to consider supporting a local business and ordering a couple items that you can pick up at the curb. I know many of our local shops would really appreciate the support.

Every Canadian – no matter where they live or what they do – continues to have a role during the COVID-19 pandemic and it all starts with following the recommendations of following our public health officials. I ask that you continue to stay home, wash your hands, and keep a safe physical distance from others when you go out.

By following these guidelines, we can continue to protect our physical health and return to the things that we have dearly missed through the COVID-19 Pandemic.

With that, I wish you an enjoyable Victoria Day long weekend. While the weather may not have been the best, I hope you take this time to relax, and reset and spend some quality time doing what you enjoy.

Sincerely,

Hon. Karina Gould

Member of Parliament

Burlington

  To continue reading, please consult the link found here.