May 7, 2020

Dear friends,

Yesterday you may have joined the many Canadians who witnessed the ramp ceremony honouring six brave Canadian Armed Forces members who tragically lost their lives in a helicopter crash during a NATO exercise. I’d like to extend my condolences to their families and friends at this very difficult time.

COVID-19 Updates

Wednesday also marked the release of BC’s provincial restart plan. These guidelines for the staged return of activities that were closed down for almost two months will be a welcome relief, allowing us to visit with family again, and support more of our local businesses.

However, I recognize that serious financial difficulties persist for many Canadians and for many organizations. Thankfully, payments under the 75% Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy (CEWS) should be landing soon for the 500,000 employers that have applied so far. Below I have listed some new supports to help end the pandemic crisis sooner, launched by our Prime Minister since my last newsletter:

• Over $240 million for investments in online healthcare to expand existing online tools, and create new virtual platforms to help access mental health and primary care.
• $175 million to support a local company AbCellera, in their very promising research and development of testing for antibodies of COVID-19, potentially crucial to Canada’s return to full activity.
• $850 million pledged to support the Coronavirus Global Response, to help researchers and innovators develop solutions to test, treat, and protect people.
• Stay tuned for additional measures to help seniors, coming soon!

Last week I announced, alongside Minister Hajdu and Minister Blair, a new a suite of digital initiatives to support Canadians and governments in the fight against COVID-19. One of these was “Get Updates On COVID-19”, an email service for trusted and official COVID-19 information. This tool was developed by our competent team at the Canadian Digital Service, who created it originally as an open-source code called Notify. You can sign up to Get Updates on COVID-19, from this website.

Lastly, if your family is eligible for the Canada Child Benefit, check your bank account and you will find an extra $300 per child for the month of May! We recognize that families with children can use some extra help through this challenging time.

Banning Assault Weapons

I’m also very pleased to report that last Friday Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced, effective immediately, over 1500 models and variants of military-style assault rifles are now prohibited in Canada. These weapons are designed, not for hunting or recreational shooting, but for the battlefield. They are too often used in mass shootings of innocent by-standers, such as the recent tragedy in Nova Scotia. So, consistent with what I’ve heard from the great majority of constituent over the years, and as promised in our Liberal 2019 election platform, they are now banned and can no longer be legally used, sold, or imported in Canada.

I recognize the assault weapon ban won’t end gun violence — though it’s an important step forward —and our government will keep taking the necessary actions for safer communities for all Canadians.

There's more to Vancouver Quadra than meets the eye!

I trust you are well, taking time to exercise and stay healthy, and I hope to see (or hear) you at the digital MP Brunch Connections I will be inviting you to join in, soon!

Warm regards,

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

P.S. Do you know someone who might like to receive these updates? They can go to www.joycemurray.ca/email-updates to be added to my email list.