Only a few weeks back, the number of people with COVID-19 dropped to very low levels, not only here in Manitoba but in many places across Canada. In recent weeks, the clear evidence is that COVID-19 is back with a vengeance. Manitoba has gone from having virtually no cases to a number of significant outbreaks in southern Manitoba.
What is clear is just how much Northern Manitoba has done to limit the number of cases. It is clear that virtually everyone in northern Manitoba, every community, is doing their part.
It was encouraging to see the provincial health officials reintroduce the travel restrictions for northern Manitoba. It was also encouraging that the public health officials urged people to follow the restrictions put in place by many northern communities.
It is also clear that there are ongoing social and economic impacts of the pandemic. I have been vocal about the need to ensure support to those who have been impacted. I have joined with other Members of Parliament across party lines to call on the federal government to put in place the kind of support that fishers need. It appears that our message is finally getting through.
One thing is clear - COVID-19 is going to continue to be something we are going to have to deal with over the next days, weeks and months.
As your Member of Parliament, I will continue to speak out to ensure that the right policies and supports are in place to limit its impact on our region.
