Dear Members,
Welcome to a new day and another week in the time of Covid-19. So many questions and concerns, so much conflicting information: it is more than enough to make you stop and wonder. Part of our work at the OAMHP is to stay on top of what is happening out there and to inform and clarify wherever we can. The other part of our work is to be out there and advocate for you.
When people first began practicing social and physical distancing measures, we went back to those we had been meeting with at Queens Park to raise issues of importance to you, our members. In the past few weeks, we added our voice to the bigger discussion about gaps we were seeing in the proposed assistance programs.
On March 31
st
we reached out to the Finance Minister, Bill Morneau seeking additional clarification on the Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB), and to shed light on areas we believed the program missed. Our conversation was followed by a letter, available for your review
here.
Among others we also
contacted Francesco Sorbara, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of National Revenue and returned to Michael Tibollo, Associate Minister of Addictions and Mental Health, all so that your concerns would be heard.
We are pleased to report today that some of our issues were addressed in Prime Minister Trudeau’s announcement this morning when he said there will be adjustments to the eligibility requirements of the CERB program in the coming days. Specifically, there was mention of providing for some who work 10 or fewer hours per week and others who continue to work but are making less than they would through CERB. As always, I caution that we wait on further details, however what we heard this morning sounds promising.
For now, please know that we will follow up and keep you informed. We will also
continue to advocate on your behalf.
Please be in touch if you have any questions or concerns you want to discuss.
Best Regards,
Suzanne Dennison
President OAMHP
