In times of crisis, Saskatchewanians have proven themselves to be strong and resilient – never failing in their determination, their focus on community and their willingness to do their part.
Throughout the COVID-19 crisis, we have seen this spirit reflected in the stories coming out of our province of the innovators. Researchers at the U of S who are working towards a vaccine, a Saskatchewan-founded company at the forefront of developing rapid-testing and engineers who have developed 3D-printable N95 masks, to name just a few.
We see it in all of the people in my riding of Regina Qu’Appelle, across Saskatchewan and in communities across the country who are working so incredibly hard on the frontlines– from the nurses and doctors and health care workers, to support staff, truck drivers, cleaners, pharmacists and grocery store workers.
And in all of you, who are observing physical distancing and sacrificing time with family and friends in order to flatten the curve and keep the most vulnerable among us safe.
The parents who have now become teachers, while trying to work from home. Neighbours running errands for the elderly. Community groups collecting food and essential supplies for those who have lost their jobs and are worried about the future.
It is this strength and resilience that inspires our entire Conservative team to work just as hard for you. We have been part of Team Canada since day one, putting forward constructive solutions to help Canadians affected by the pandemic.
Because of the work done by our Conservative caucus, the wage subsidy was raised from 10 per cent to 75 per cent. We made sure that small business loans became more accessible. We didn’t give up until the government finally began to help the energy sector. And we won’t stop, because there is so much more to be done.
Conservatives recognize that we must continue to help Canadians through the health impacts of this crisis. We have called on the government to fast-track Health Canada approvals for new drugs and tests, including the ones developed right here in Saskatchewan. We also continue to advocate for frontline health care workers to make sure that they have the personal protective equipment they need.
We’ve also proposed ways to further help businesses and workers by allowing banks and credit unions to deliver loans until companies’ wage subsidies arrive, rebating the GST small businesses have collected in the last twelve months and to increasing the Charitable Donation Tax Credit, which will provide much-needed support to those who are working to help those who have been hit hardest by this crisis.
And earlier this week, we proposed a new program to match students and youth employees with jobs in the agriculture and agri-food sector, to address labour shortages in Canada’s food supply chains.
We will continue to press the government about their plans to increase testing and tracing so that health restrictions can be revised when it is safe, so Saskatchewanians can get back to work and start to help rebuild our economy.
The last six weeks have been extremely difficult for Canadians. My thoughts are with all of those who have lost loved ones. The recovery process will be long. However, working together, I know that we will emerge stronger than ever. Please know our Conservative team is working hard on your behalf.
