By Ethan Ready

Collaborative government

Local MPs support non-partisan governing amidst COVID-19

Apr 7, 2020 | 2:47 PM

PRINCE GEORGE – Over one million Canadians applied for the Canadian Emergency Response Benefit on its first day of being open to applications.

Using the CRA or service Canada websites and phone lines, Canadians can access $500 a week for up to four months. Direct deposits of the CERB will be in a few days, while mailed cheques can be expected in ten days.

Cariboo-Prince George MP Todd Doherty says we are all living in unprecedented times and that the government understands the concerns of Canadians when it comes to putting food on the table, keeping a roof over their head and pay their bills.

“We have been working very collaboratively across all party lines to find a way that the system is as robust as possible so that the money can get into the hands of Canadians as soon as possible.”

Both Doherty, of the Conservatives, and Skeena-Bulkley Valley NDP MP Taylor Bachrach admit that now is not a time for partisan politics.

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“Now is now the time. I think we need to be focused on finding the best solution for that. That is being done every day, I think we’re learning more and more, we’re finding out more information about the seriousness and the potential spread of this disease.”

Bachrach, still in his first year as a member of parliament, says the government understands the seriousness of the global pandemic.

“One of the things that’s been really heartening is that we’ve seen a decrease in the partisanship that we’re used to seeing in parliament. Everyone is in this together, it’s affecting so many people across the country. For the most part, I’m seeing politicians and elected representatives really trying to be constructive and contribute to positive outcomes.”

Bachrach acknowledged the challenges the government is facing with the number of people who are currently eligible for the benefit.

“There’s some big categories of workers who have been affected by the pandemic who are not included on the list of people who get relief under this program. Two of the categories that I’m hearing from, one is students, the other is seasonal workers.”

One example Bachrach mentioned that’s relative to his riding being commercial fishermen in Prince Rupert. He says many have been out of work since last fishing season, employment insurance is running out for them, and they’re uncertain if there is going to be a commercial opening.

According to Bachrach, the NDP are advocating for a different approach than the current setup of the CERB.

“Instead of having complex criteria for who qualifies and who doesn’t, we think the federal government should be transferring $2,000 to every adult Canadian. Then on the back end, come tax time, it can be readjusted so that people with higher incomes don’t keep that benefit.”

On Monday, Prime Minister Trudeau did say there will be adjustments to the program in the coming days to include more Canadians who might not yet be eligible to benefit from the CERB. He also said there would be support for those who continue to work but are making less than they would through CERB.

A message of note to the residents from Doherty: “we’re in for some tough times and I think we just have to be resolute, taking care of one another and taking care of our families.”