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COLUMN: Work continues for MPs practising physical distancing

Randall Garrison, is member of parliament for Esquimalt-Saanich-Sooke
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MP Randall Garrison predicts New Democrats won’t suffer fate of other social democrats (Black Press File).

Randall Garrison, MP

Esquimalt-Saanich-Sooke

In this unprecedented time, I know that many of you are concerned about your own and your loved ones health and financial well being. The COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted our lives in ways that we could have barely imagined only a few months ago, and we are all still sorting out the details of this new reality.

I want to assure you that as your MP, I am continuing to work hard to represent you and to ensure that the response from the federal government meets the needs of all Canadians during this time. I would like to thank all of those who have continued to work on our behalf on the front lines during this crisis and all those who have stepped up and volunteered to help family, friends, and neighbours get by.

READ MORE: Local coverage on COVID-19

As we have now all been directed to do by both Dr. Bonnie Henry and Dr. Theresa Tam, I am working from home and practising physical distancing, but I am working hard every day along with Jagmeet Singh and the rest of the NDP team to get the best possible financial support package for Canadians during this incredibly difficult time. So far, we have successfully seen the government increase the Canada Emergency Response Benefit to $2,000 a month. Just today, we also saw the government increase the small business wage subsidy from 10 per cent to 75 per cent. We will continue to press the government to make sure that no Canadians fall through the cracks.

At home in Esquimalt-Saanich-Sooke, my team and I are reassuring, supporting, and advocating for constituents who are facing unique challenges caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. My staff and I will continue to do this work on behalf of those who need extra help navigating federal government programs, services, and protocols during this time.

Please follow the directions from our public health officials, and do not hesitate to contact my team and I for support during this time.

Each of us doing our part and all of us pulling together will get us through this pandemic. This will also provide us the basis we need for rebuilding an even better Canada where no one is left without the resources and support they need to meet whatever future challenges we face.

– Randall Garrison is member of parliament for Esquimalt-Saanich-Sooke