We’ve been asked to stop seeing loved ones, to keep our community spaces closed and to keep our physical distance so we can keep each other safe from Covid-19.

That has been hard on our mental health and some of our most beloved local businesses. As we slowly start to reopen the economy here in Ontario, it will be very important that we do so cautiously and responsibly so that we do not see another spike in cases.

Throughout it all, the federal government has maintained its commitment to being there to support individuals, organizations and businesses. I’ve been engaging and listening to you to make sure we get these programs right.

I have shared your feedback with my colleagues in Ottawa and seen important changes made to make sure, for example, that seniors get the support they need, and that the supports available to businesses can reach as many as possible.

From the outset, our priority has been to protect the health and safety of all Canadians. From implementing measures to help workers, students, seniors and parents, our government has taken decisive action to ensure that no Canadian is left behind during this pandemic.

To stay up to date on the latest from the Government of Canada, you can visit Canada.ca/coronavirus or call my office, 905-639-5757 and my team and I will be happy to help.

As the extended deadline for filing your income taxes approaches on June 1, I am happy to announce that my office has partnered with the Volunteer Income Tax Program at the Burlington Central Library.. If you are a Burlington resident of a modest income who requires tax assistance, please do not hesitate to leave a voicemail at (289) 427-0267 and a volunteer will be able to assist you.

While things are starting to get better and we are able to return to a more normal way of life, I ask you to continue to follow the advice of Public Health to ensure we can continue to see a decrease in cases and, ultimately, defeat COVID-19.

To read my article in the Burlington Post, please consult the link found here.