Patrick Weiler
Patrick Weiler
COVID-19 Update - May 1, 2020
May 1, 2020

As we move ahead through this unprecedented challenge, we are making the necessary sacrifices and adapting as best we can. While our front line and essential workers continue to do their important work, the rest of us are staying and working at home. History was made this week with the first ever virtual sitting of all 338 Members of Parliament, and it will continue to meet in this fashion every Tuesday and Thursday to allow parliamentarians the opportunity to do their due diligence on the measures being taken to respond to the pandemic.

There are several important announcements related to the Government of Canada’s response to the pandemic that I would like to update you on:

The application process for the Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy was launched through the Canada Revenue Agency on April 27th. 30,000 businesses applied for the subsidy on the first day it was open, and I encourage all eligible businesses interested in this program to submit their applications now in anticipation of the first payments being delivered as early as May 7th.

On April 24, the Government of Canada reached an agreement with the Province of British Columbia to implement the Canada Emergency Commercial Rent Assistance (CECRA) for small businesses. This program will lower rent by 75% for small businesses that have been affected by COVID-19 by providing a forgivable loan of up to the cost of 50% of monthly rent to participating commercial property owners.

I’ve heard from many students and young Canadians that are especially concerned about what the impact of the pandemic will be for them. They have also asked about what opportunities are available to them to help our community through this crisis. Last week, we responded by announcing new measures to recruit our young Canadians to assist our communities through the pandemic and creating support for our students unable to find work through this summer.

This includes the Canada Emergency Student Benefit (CESB) to support students unable to work due to COVID-19, and the Canada Student Service Grant (CSSG) for students who work in national service positions through organizations within their community. We also announced an intention to expand the Canada Service Corps micro-grants for those with great ideas to help their community. We also intend to double the Canada Students Grants Program, broaden the eligibility for student financial assistance, enhance the Canada Student Loans Program, and increase support for Indigenous post-secondary education.

Our Government has also announced new research investments in the fight against COVID-19, including $1 billion in support of a national medical research strategy to fight COVID-19 that includes vaccine development, the production of treatments, and tracking of the virus. This new funding builds on the $275 million investment for coronavirus research and medical countermeasures announced in March.

We recognize that COVID-19 is having a disproportionate impact on many of the most vulnerable in our community, and that has created challenges for the community organizations that they rely on for services and programs. We therefore announced the Emergency Community Support Fund to assist community organizations deliver medications and food to vulnerable groups in our society.

From West Vancouver, to Pemberton, to Pender Harbour, our communities have come together to support one another and help those in need while staying apart. We all thank our healthcare workers and hospital staff who continue to put themselves at risk to keep us safe by cheering them on every evening.

My office is always here to help in any way that we can. Please do not hesitate to reach out by phone at 604-913-2660 or by email at [email protected].

Please visit my website at https://patrickweiler.libparl.ca and social media platforms for more immediate updates.

Main office - West Vancouver
6367 Bruce Street
West Vancouver, British Columbia
V7W 2G5

Telephone:
604-913-2660

Fax:
604-913-2664
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Hill Office
House of Commons
Ottawa, Ontario
K1A 0A6

Telephone:
613-947-4617

Fax:
613-947-4620
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