PM’s speech conveys support to seniors care workers, and the people they care for
For the past several weeks during the global pandemic we have seen how the public celebrates our healthcare heroes nightly at 7pm. Yet, the incredible work happening frontlines of seniors care and retirement living has too often been unsung.
The difficult reality is that COVID-19 has hit our sector more so far than any community in Canada. Seniors have endured isolation as staff try to bring comfort and care during these challenging times.
Then, as if out of the blue, words of appreciation for all the work being done by frontline staff, as well as an acknowledgement of the struggle of our elderly loved ones living under lockdown, came from an unexpected source: The Prime Minister of Canada.
This morning PM Justin Trudeau provided one of his now daily briefings of the actions being taken by the Canadian government in response to the novel coronavirus. His words, however, were deeply moving to anyone with a connection to our seniors care providers. In short, the Prime Minister told the people caring for seniors in our long-term care homes (and, presumably, all seniors in care), “You deserve our full support.”
BC Care Providers Association and our partners at the Canadian Association of Long-Term Care have been in discussions this week with senior federal and provincial government officials, and the PM and the country’s Premiers are all meeting on April 16th to discuss measures to support seniors care in our country. We wish them a very productive discussion.
Read excerpts below from this morning’s speech by the Prime Minister, or watch the video.
April 15, 2020 – Speech by Prime Minister Trudeau
Expanded access to Canada Emergency Response Benefit and support for essential workers
Hello, everyone.
Before I get started, I want to take a moment to recognize Canadians who are doing some of the toughest jobs in the country.
The women and men working in our hospitals, our seniors’ homes, and our long-term care facilities are making sacrifices every day.
If you do one of these jobs – thank you. Thank you for keeping us safe and healthy, and protecting our loved ones.
You deserve our full support.
So, if you need a hand getting through these tough times, we’ll be there for you.
…
You heard me speak in Parliament about the contributions of the Greatest Generation, who grew up during the Great Depression and fought through the Second World War.
Today, across the country, the last members of this generation live in nursing homes and long-term care facilities.
The uncomfortable and tragic truth is that the very places that care for our elderly are the most vulnerable to COVID-19.
I will be addressing this with premiers tomorrow night.
We all need to do better, we all need to take leadership, for the seniors who have built this country.
Our government will work with the provinces and territories to boost wages for essential workers who are making under $2,500 a month, like those in our long-term care facilities.
For many workers looking after the most vulnerable Canadians, including seniors and those with disabilities, we know conditions have gotten more difficult over the past weeks.
And you need support right now.
Tomorrow, in our weekly meeting, I will discuss with provincial and territorial leaders the importance of getting this wage boost in place as quickly as possible.
As we face an unprecedented threat to public health, you are our most important line of defence.
We will do whatever we can to help you do your job and support you through this time.
…
Whenever we need you most, you’re always there for us.
At times, we may feel overwhelmed by what is going on.
We are in a situation that may seem unreal and it’s not always easy to deal with everything that’s happening around us.
…
And if everyone does their part, we will get through this together.
Thank you.
