March 25 2020

Dear friends,

How are you? I hope safe and well, and implementing all public health measures recommended for physically distancing yourself and avoiding becoming infected. I and my office staff have been working hard to respond to Vancouver Quadra residents’ calls and emails, and also to help with difficult situations such as when you or family members are stranded abroad. Thanks for the many words of encouragement we have received – much appreciated by the team!

Today I’d like to update you on our government’s measures to protect Canadians from COVID-19 and its economic impacts.

First, as of midnight tonight, Canadians arriving from abroad will face a mandatory quarantine period of 14 days, which will be enforceable through fines and penalties under the Quarantine Act. Government officials will follow up with these travellers to ensure they are in quarantine, to reduce any risk of spreading the virus.

Second, the Prime Minister announced today a new benefit to help Canadians impacted financially by COVID-19. In order to make the process easier to access and more efficient, we have combined the two former benefits (Emergency Care and Support Benefits) into one — Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB).

The CERB will provide $2000 a month for up to 4 months to eligible Canadians. Stay tuned – because applications will be opening online soon! Payments should be received within 10 days of applying.

Eligibility for the Canada Emergency Response Benefit:

• You have lost your job, are sick, quarantined, or taking care of someone who is sick with COVID-19
• Working parents who must stay home without pay to care for children who are sick or at home because of school and daycare closures
• Wage earners, as well as contract workers and self-employed individuals who are not eligible for Employment Insurance (EI) and have been impacted by COVID-19
• Workers who are still employed, but are not receiving income because of disruptions to their work situation due to COVID-19

The news release here has more detailed information on what those who are eligible for EI should do.

For further information and updates, please follow my website page www.joycemurray.ca/covid-19, which has information for individuals in Canada, individuals abroad, and businesses.

Remember: go home, stay home, and wash your hands frequently for 20 seconds. That is how we can all do our part and save lives at this extraordinarily difficult time. And do connect virtually or by telephone with your neighbours, friends and family, because physical distancing is critical - but social isolation is hard to bear.

Wishing you good health.

Warm regards,

The Hon. Joyce Murray, P.C., M.P.
Member of Parliament for Vancouver Quadra
Minister of Digital Government