Dear citizens,

For the past weeks, we have learnt to compose with a new reality –exceptional social distancing has become the new norm. I am sensitive to the fact that the current unprecedented crisis has proved harder to cope with for some of us.

ADAPT AND CONTINUE TO SERVE

Just like you, my team and I have had to become accustomed to new work habits in order to continue serving you while respecting health guidelines. Nowadays, telework, virtual meetings and remote outreach campaigns are part our daily routine. Federal services and programs have never been so close to home, and the range of services our government is offering to citizens has taken a new dimension.

Within the first days of the crisis, my office took the initiative to communicate with you in order to address your worries and hear your comments. This collaborative spirit and the observations gathered enabled me to share your concerns and suggestions with my colleagues so that we deliver more adapted support in key areas.

Virtual Parliament session

COMING BACK HOME

The spread of the virus led to the closure of borders, here in Canada, but also abroad. Numerous residents of Alfred-Pellan were stranded in foreign countries around the world, such as France, Haiti, Mexico and Morocco. Worried and fearful that they wouldn’t be able to come back home, they contacted my office for solutions – and we delivered. In collaboration with the Global Affairs Canada team, we were able to facilitate the repatriation of many Laval families who are now safe at home.

COMMUNITY SOLIDARITY

Our local non-profit organisations have also been affected by the pandemic’s shockwave, limiting their ever so important operations. Indeed, the situation caused a sharp increase in demand for community services. It’s in difficult times, that we see the best of Canadians and notice the solidarity that leads our Alfred-Pellan community. I was more than happy to support these various initiatives.

In an impressive surge of solidarity, countless local businesses stepped up to help community organisations. For example, La Boîte Maraîchère, a hydroponic agri-business, was able to support the Bonjour Aujourd’hui et Après meals on wheels service by supplying them with their surplus lettuce produce.

My team also took the time to communicate with all of our non-profit organisations to respond to their questions and inform them of the government measures taken to support them in continuing their operations.

BUSINESS FLEXIBILITY

Our local businesses were also severely impacted by the health crisis: from operational slowdowns to total halts, numerous entrepreneurs communicated their worries to my office. My ever-present team did it’s best to make sure our businesses have the necessary tools to apply for our federal government’s economic measures.

To provide answers to some of the concerns and to support our business community during such complex times, I organized a conference call with the President of the Treasury Board, the Hon. Jean-Yves Duclos. This was an opportunity for our entrepreneurs to share their concerns regarding the survival of our business sector.

In such hard times, companies have also shown compassion and solidarity. Some of them have redirected their operations to participate in the “war effort” and associated themselves to our federal government to produce masks, hospital gowns, hand sanitizer as well as other medical devices. I am proud that local entrepreneurs managed to sign contracts with the federal government to guarantee the security of our community.

Personal Protective Equipment delivery at Cité de la Santé Hospital in Laval with George Courey Inc.

A LISTENING EAR

The pandemic has created new realities, being attentive and listening remains ever more crucial to support our community. Thus, I organized a conference call with the Minister of Agriculture and Agri-food, the Hon. Marie-Claude Bibeau, to make sure our farmers and growers had the opportunity to express their concerns.

Our youth are also restless and looking forward to support our community of Alfred-Pellan. Videoconferencing with my Youth Constituency Council we discussed their concerns and the ways they could be of assistance.

I have also been in touch with our old age residences and our seniors who are facing incommensurable challenges during these hard times. As the co-chair of the Liberal Seniors’ Caucus, I take the discussions I have with seniors to heart and relay them to our Minister of Senior, soliciting further support measures.

I know that the hardship affecting our elderly citizens in residences is difficult and terrifying. That is indeed one of the reasons why our government rose to Quebec’s call by deploying members of the Canadian Armed Forces to support health workers and our most vulnerable.

WE WILL GET THROUGH THIS

No matter how you contribute, I know that every single one of us is doing their part – and I thank you for it. Whether you’re staying home, or going to work: you are admirable! I’m aware that it hasn’t been easy, but I am also convinced that we will get through this. Today more than ever, it has become important for our Alfred-Pellan community to remain close-knit to come out of this crisis stronger and more united.

Recognition for the members of the Canadian army bringing support to our residences