JAMES MALONEY, MP

Photo: Jennifer Hartley

It has been quite a year and a half. In fact, it would be an understatement to say it has been challenging.

As I reflect, I have been struck by a few things. The first is the resilience of our community and its kindness. I heard endless stories of the generosity of people and it made me so proud to be Canadian and from Etobicoke-Lakeshore.

None of it was easy.

The pandemic exposed many inequalities in our society and while it has been difficult to come face to face with them, we are making changes that will create a more just society, a more fair society where everyone can live up to their full potential.

I think of our hard-working business owners and their staff who have had to cope with lockdowns, public health restrictions, and have played an important role in helping us flatten the curve. Now they are ready to get back to business and we have a renewed appreciation for all they did to keep us safe. Frontline workers are all heroes in our society now. We thank every one of them for their dedication and courage to go to work when it could and, in many cases, did make them sick.

I think of our country’s long-term care sector. The pandemic highlighted just how much work needs to be done to address the systemic issues within long-term care facilities. Ensuring that every Canadian senior receives safe and adequate care – not only through this pandemic, but also going forward – is a key priority for our government. That’s why, in addition to the annual $40 billion healthcare budget allocated to provinces and

JAMES MALONEY

Member of Parliament Etobicoke-Lakeshore

territories through the Canada Health Transfer, a further $3 billion will be invested by Health Canada to specifically address national standards to affect permanent change in the long-term care sector across the country.

We also recognize the importance of supporting seniors at home, which is why Budget 2021 introduced a new Age Well Initiative. As we know, the pandemic has been incredibly isolating for many elderly individuals. This program will address this issue by matching low-income and vulnerable seniors with volunteers through community-based organizations in order to help them with any assistance they might require in their lives.

I think of racialized Canadians. I think of families. I think of mental health. I think of Indigenous Peoples. I think of the environment and how COVID-19 changed the pace of life, exposing even more the affect of our day-to-day lives on our environment.

The conversation we are now having about all these issues is good and will help us build back better. Economically, it was a difficult time for many. I am proud of everything we did to support our neighbours. COVID-19 exposed many issues. We will now have those discussions, honouring the values that make us Canadian. It is a time of renewal, a time of hope and a time of building back. We will do it together, just as we got through the pandemic together.