Page 14 - Sports Energy News, Cornwall, Issue No 92
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14 Issue #92 September 2020 www.sportsenergynews.com
Notes from Our Federal and Provincial Representatives
Stormont-Dundas-South Stormont-Dundas-South
Glengarry MP Glengarry MPP
Interview Interview
with with
MP Eric Duncan MPP Jim MacDonell
Ready to Return to Ottawa he summer season is quickly coming to an end, and the recovery
Tefforts made over this short time have been truly eye-opening and
fter more than 5 months of Parliament being gratifying. At the start of July, many of our restaurants were still making
preparations to reopen to on-site customers. I can say with considerable
Ashut down due to COVID-19 with no regular pride, that they have successfully carried out their tasks. Credit also has
sittings or regular business, it is time for Members to go out to local municipal and public health officials for providing the
necessary support. And of course, thank you to all the local customers
of Parliament to return to Ottawa and get back to the who were able to patronize these establishments. These successes were
job we were elected to do. accomplished through hard work and by following guidelines to wear
masks when required, maintaining proper physical distancing, and using
Without a doubt, there is no shortage of issues for onsite sanitizers before entering our businesses.
us to address. We left numerous pieces of legislation As we progress through Stage 3 of our reopening plan, preparations are
unfinished, the government has pledged hundreds underway to relax restrictions to allow more businesses and organizations
to open to the public. These measures are essential next steps, but we must
of billions of dollars in deficit spending with few not forget the needs of those who are most susceptible to this virus, such
questions being able to be asked and even less as our seniors and those with compromised immune systems. We are not
out of the woods yet, and in response to these needs, we have extended
accountability, and new information drips out daily orders under the Reopening Ontario legislation. The extension allows us
about the WE scandal and ethics issues. to mitigate the ongoing risks and effects of COVID-19, especially if cases
escalate significantly through an anticipated second wave. It ensures that
When I heard that the Liberal government proposed essential measures are available to protect our vulnerable populations.
to prorogue Parliament and shut down many For more detailed information on this issue, as well as on public health
guidance to assist you in keeping you and your loved ones safe, visit
investigations into their scandals, it was frustrating https://www.ontario.ca/page/reopening-ontario .
to say the least. This past month was also a time of paramount consideration for
parents and guardians as they assess whether their children should return
I believe this statement to be blunt, but true: if to classrooms or continue remote learning. Either way, the Ontario
students and teachers are returning to classrooms, government has taken strong measures to support both decisions. Early
childcare experts have identified the importance of getting our younger
then there is no reason why MPs cannot get back
children back to school for the development of their learning and social
to Ottawa with proper social distancing measures in skills, and we are working with our medical experts to allow this to
place, in the same fashion that every single workplace happen. I am confident that the government’s plan, adapted by school
boards, is the safest in the country. As we move further into Phase 3 and
in Canada has been implementing. Anything less more activities and businesses open, including schools, the opportunity
than getting Parliament restarted and holding the for spread increases, and it is crucial for us to double-down on our safety
practices. We need to remain flexible, allowing us to adapt quickly if the
minority government to account is purely a political number of new cases significantly increases. Ontario is spending more
stall tactic. dollars per capita than any province in the country, but we will need the
cooperation of everyone involved to be successful. I wish students and
While I have enjoyed connecting with businesses staff a healthy and safe return.
and not-for-profit groups throughout the riding on With Labour Day approaching, I want to wish the Williamstown Fair
my “Wellness Tour”, and while we have helped group good luck as they work to hold their 209th Fair. The drive-through
version on Saturday, September 5th will allow faithful fans of the fair to
hundreds of constituents with case files in my office, appreciate some of the terrific products, crafts, and services available in
it is time to lead by example and get back to Ottawa. rural Ontario.
As always, remember to stay safe and protect yourself and your loved
I look forward to getting back to Parliament Hill ones.
and being your voice in Ottawa. There is lots of work Regards,
to be done and questions to be asked. Let’s get to it. Jim McDonell MPP for Stormont-Dundas-South Glengarry
