Terry Duguid
Terry Duguid
Member of Parliament for Winnipeg South
COVID-19 UPDATE #2

May 15, 2020

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Dear friends and neighbours,

As we mark National Nursing Week, I’m thinking of all the nurses who are working around the clock to keep us healthy and cared for when we need it most. I want to particularly thank all the nurses at the Victoria General Hospital, an outstanding institution here in Winnipeg South. If you know someone who is a nurse, consider writing them a quick thank you to show your appreciation for the tireless work they do. Let’s make sure they know that the sacrifices they make every day do not go unnoticed.

On Tuesday May 12th, we celebrated Manitoba Day, marking 150 years since Métis leader Louis Riel guided Manitoba’s entry into the Canadian Confederation. As we commemorate this important milestone year, we are so proud to be part of this strong, vibrant and diverse province. Manitoba is the traditional territory of over 60 First Nations and is the heartland of the Métis nation. Throughout generations, our community has welcomed families from across the world seeking a better life, and who now call Manitoba home.

In honour of Manitoba Day, I want to send a shout out to the great, locally owned small businesses in our community who continue to operate during this time of strict health vigilance. For example, our own St. Norbert Farmers’ Market has added an online market where you can shop for numerous items from local producers and vendors for pick-up on Saturdays. Many local restaurants and stores have come up with creative ways to offer ordering, pick-ups and deliveries – check out your favourites on-line or by telephone. Let’s all work together as a community to support our wonderful Manitoba small businesses through this challenging time.

This week, we were happy to announce additional support measures that will give more financial security for seniors. We’re also providing more funds through Western Economic Diversification for small businesses that have been unable to access current business relief measures. Finally, students will be able to apply for the Canada Emergency Student Benefit starting this Friday, May 15th, online through the Canada Revenue Agency website. Further details on these support measures can be found below.

As always, thank you to everyone in our community who continue to send us their questions and concerns. Your comments have been helpful in improving our support measures. Please continue to be in touch with us at [email protected] or 204-984-6787.

Wishing you all a restful May long weekend.

Sincerely,

Terry Duguid

 

 

LATEST NEWS

ADDITIONAL SUPPORT FOR SENIORS

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Since the beginning of the pandemic, our government has introduced several measures to support Canadian seniors. We invested $1.3 billion in a one-time special top up to the GST credit in April, as well as provided funding to community organizations that provide practical services to Canadian seniors, including the delivery of groceries and medication

This week, we announced additional financial support measures, including a one-time, tax-free payment of $300 to seniors eligible for Old Age Security (OAS), with an additional $200 to seniors eligible for the Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS). This will be an automatic increase and does not require any further application.
More details on support for seniors can be found, here.

CANADA EMERGENCY STUDENT BENEFIT AVAILABLE THIS FRIDAY

Students and recent graduates who are unable to find a summer job and who are ineligible for the CERB can apply for the new Canada Student Emergency Benefit, starting Friday, May 15, on the Canada Revenue Agency’s online website.

This benefit will provide $1,250 per month from May through August for eligible students, and $2,000 for students with dependents or permanent disabilities.

It is strongly encouraged that students set up their CRA account with direct deposit, so that they can access this benefit quickly.

SMALL BUSINESS SUPPORT THROUGH WESTERN ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

 

 

 

 

Small businesses across Western Canada who are unable to access existing business relief measures are able to apply for funding under the new Regional Relief and Recovery Fund (RRRF).

To see if your business is eligible for funding through the RRRF, please visit Western Economic Diversification Canada’s online website or contact our regional Western Economic Diversification office at [email protected] or 204-983-4472.

More information on this new funding is available, here.

LOCAL RESOURCES

Manitoba Health Links: 204-788-8200 or toll free at 1-888-315-9257
Latest Updates on Provincial State of Emergency: http://manitoba.ca/covid19
Western Economic Diversification Regional Office in Manitoba: 204-983-4472 or toll free at 1-888-338-9378, and via email at [email protected]
For mental health support, visit: https://ca.portal.gs/

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MORE INFORMATION

For all the latest news, please visit: canada.ca/coronavirus

 

 

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