Chris Warkentin, Member of Parliament for Grande Prairie – Mackenzie, replied to the Government of Canada’s economic response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
“My thoughts and prayers are with every Canadian affected by COVID-19, especially the family and friends of the five Canadians who have died,” Warkentin said. “I also want to express my heartfelt thanks to all public health officials and front-line health care staff working around the clock to keep us all healthy and safe. I encourage residents in the Peace Country to comply with Alberta Health recommendations to protect our families and our communities and to phone elderly friends, neighbours and family to check in at this stressful time.”
“I support measures to put more money in Canadians’ pockets during this crisis. I’ve heard from many businesses and individuals in the Peace Country who are struggling and they need to know when they can expect to start receiving support.”
Today the Government of Canada announced that there would be:
• Temporary Income Support for Workers and Parents without paid sick leave
• Longer-Term Income Support for Workers who lose their jobs or face reduced work hours
• Income Support for Individuals for low income families through a boosted GST credit and
Canada Child Benefit
• Temporary wage subsidy for small employers of up to 10% for three months
• Access to the Business Credit Availability Program through Business Development Canada
and Export Development Canada
More information on this announcement can be found here: https://www.canada.ca/en/departmentfinance/economic-response-plan.html
“I know that businesses and individuals in the Peace Country are starting to feel the economic effects of the coronavirus and I am concerned that the $82 billion earmarked by the government is not properly balanced to protect small business and independent contractors in the Peace Country. I will continue to voice these concerns and work constructively with the government to support all affected Peace Country residents.”
“Along with my Conservative colleagues, I am demanding transparency on when all of these supports will be available to ensure that vulnerable Canadians get the help they need as soon as possible.”