Dear Vancouver Quadra residents,

As I sit down to think of you and wish each of you well, the challenging COVID-19 global pandemic continues to evolve rapidly in Canada and BC. In my role as cabinet minister and Vancouver Quadra’s MP, know that your federal government is working diligently to keep people safe, and to support our economy, businesses and workers’ multiple challenges.
Canada is responding to this outbreak in coordination with the provinces based fully on professional advice of pandemic experts and our leading Public Health officials; advice based on evidence and lessons learned from previous pandemics. Canada’s focus is to limit the spread of the virus’s potential impacts on our people, our economy, and our small businesses. The past week’s measures announced by the Prime Minister to keep you safe and help our economy will be updated as the situation demands.
Thank you for your many messages of support and of concern. Yours, and my staff’s health and well-being are a high priority for me, and my office is implementing precautionary health and safety measures to protect you. That is why I have decided to postpone our planned March 27th MP Breakfast Connections entitled “The Wet’su’eten Lessons: Can Indigenous Reconciliation bring people together?” with special guest Indigenous leader Sheryl Rivers.
Other planned gatherings – such as the MP Café style consultation on modern environmental policy, to be co-hosted with our Constituency Youth Council members – are also postponed until further notice.
Further measures based on recommendations of public health authorities include:

* Hand sanitizer will be available for use in my office.
* Any staff member experiencing flu-like symptoms is required to stay home and encouraged to seek medical advice. I ask that you call us rather than visit our office if you yourself are experiencing any flu-like symptoms.
* Other non-essential in-office gatherings, (e.g. special event receptions and stakeholder consultations) may be postponed until further notice.

My constituency office will continue to be available to provide all MP services, as before. I encourage you to connect with us by phone (604-664-9220) or email [email protected] with your questions, feedback and meeting requests. Especially in these times it continues to be my, and my staff's priority to support you on matters pertaining to federal policies and services. We will continue working diligently to meet your needs and ensure your voice is heard.

As we monitor the latest advice as to how to best protect you, your family, and your community, and to slow the coronavirus spread in Canada, we encourage you to check updates from the provincial Health Officer: http://www.bccdc.ca/health-info/diseases-conditions/covid-19. and federal Health Ministry: https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/diseases/coronavirus-disease-covid-19.html.

Warm regards,

The Hon. Joyce Murray, P.C., M.P.
Vancouver Quadra