"Since the outbreak began, 50 Ontarians who tested positive for COVID19 have been hospitalized, 17 of those needed ICU care, 17 have needed ventilators. Out of the total of 588, that means: 8.5% hospitalization rate, 1/3 of those needed ICU."
https://twitter.com/CBCQueensPark/status/1242532276422037504
"You think I'm exaggerating? We don't even have enough face masks! This is deadly serious now. We can't cope in Britain!" - Galloway
As in Canada, not enough masks, PPE and not enough testing!
https://twitter.com/georgegalloway/status/1242708054870818816
Ontario Health Officials Sound Alarm Over Impending Shortage of Masks, Protective Gear
https://globalnews.ca/news/6716834/toronto-hospital-mask-drive-impending...
"Two Ontario medical associations sounded the alarm about the supply of N95 and surgical masks."
Jerry, I just saw this and of course join everyone in their wishes for a speedy recovery for you. Please do let us know how you are doing periodically when you feel up to it.
..ditto jerry. get well!
I hope your recovery is relatively short Jerry and that we get you back posting soon.
Get well soon Jerry!
COVID-19 Survivor Shares Her Experience
"Very, very bad dose of the flu..."
Someone in Newfound Land was just arrested for not self-isolating themsleves. Trudeau says cell phone tracking is not on the table at this time, but didn't say it wouldn't be in the future.
At the end of the day the difference between Conservatives and Liberals is just marketing.
Trudeau Vows More Aid Coming For Canadians...
https://www.ctvnews.ca/health/coronavirus/
Coronavirus: What's Happening in Canada and Around the World Wednesday
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/coronavirus-covid19-march25-canada-world-...
"House of Commons passes legislation for COVID-19 aid after night of tense talks."
Liberals Flub COVID-19 Emergency Assistance
"The emergency measures announced March 19 by the Liberals in response to the economic distress caused by the COVID-19 pandemic fall well short of what is needed. The Canadian spending response - $27 billion for workers in need - amounts to a woefully inadequate one percent of GDP..."
A Pandemic is No Time For US Economic Sanctions
"...It is no coincidence that Iran and Venezuela, two countries targeted by the US, are both being hit hard by the pandemic. American sactions have wrecked both countries health infrastructure by curtailing access to foreign exchange and the capacity to import key medical inputs...."
The New Cold War With China Has Cost Lives Against Coronavirus
"More than any event since the financial crash, the coronavirus pandemic has exposed the rotten foundation of American empire..."
The Jimmy Dore Show
"Stimulus showers corporations with cash and screws citizens..."
Get well soon Jerry
Testing backlog linked to shortage of chemicals needed for COVID-19 test
Regions across Canada are ramping up efforts to identify people with COVID-19 but some labs are facing a backlog due to diminishing supplies of essential chemicals needed for tests.
"We all would want more tests," Canada's chief public officer Dr. Theresa Tam said Tuesday.
The World Health Organization has said expansive testing is the way to curb the pandemic, but global demand has outpaced the supply of reagents — the specific chemicals needed by laboratories to complete the tests.
The Center for Disease Control in the United States has also said that important reagents are "now are in short supply," a worry echoed by medical associations around the world.....
COVID-19 crisis is a tipping point. Will we invest in planetary health, or oil and gas?
Emergency physician Dr. Courtney Howard, Board President of the Canadian Association of Physicians, in Yellowknife.
When I first read about the possibility of a multibillion-dollar bailout of the oil and gas sector by the federal and Alberta governments, I was exhausted.
I was exhausted from days of ER work, personal protective equipment drills, obsessive counting of ventilators and considering how to encourage Canadians to have courageous conversations around end-of-life care. I was too exhausted to even think about responding.
That was precisely the point. Oil and gas companies, lobbyists and the decision makers they have formed relationships with are counting on Canadians being too occupied coping with an ongoing health crisis to register that our country is considering a massive transfer of public funds to support the very industry most likely to cause the next health crisis. And the health crisis after that. And the health crisis after that.....
Time of Plague and Meltdown: Mass Murder by Corporate Duopoly
https://www.blackagendareport.com/time-plague-and-meltdown-mass-murder-c...
"The shrinking of the publc health sector is a capitalist crime, abetted by the two corporate parties..."
Coronavirus, Militarism and the End of an Illusion
https://www.blackagendareport.com/coronavirus-militarism-and-end-illusion
"People are waking up to the fact that the US State and government does not belong to them but to a capitalist class that is only looking out for itself. The oppressed should have no illusions. The revelation of truth will be the only positive that will emerge from this crisis."
Lindorff: US is at Critical Juncture, Facing Two Epidemics COVID-19 and Soaring Joblessness
"If the crisis goes on more than three months, I think it will be hard to hold this together."
Not Enough Rooms in Hospitals, 'Many Can't Make It and Die at Home', Says Mayor at Epicenter of COVID-19 Outbreak in Italy
"The healthcare system has been entirely overwhelmed by the outbreak. Too many people are arriving at the hospitals late and in grave condition, requiring intubation in intensive care..."
I wrote to Jagmeet Singh (along with my MP and Trudeau) about the problem with people who were unemployed before the virus hit. These people did not lose employment because of the virus but have no realistic ability to get a job given the social distancing and closed organizations. They are impacted by the virus but have no help. I am in this position. Singh's office referred me to my MP despite the fact I explained there is no coverage for me in any program.
"We are sorry to hear about your difficulties. To have your concern properly addressed, you will need to contact your Member of Parliament (MP). Each MP is responsible for making representation to the appropriate government department on behalf of their constituents."
Perhaps some people here might understand why I might never vote again.
In case anyone is interested the response from my MP included a personal phone call and offer to try to help. The PM's office (not my MP like Singh) at least stated referred the issue to a cabinet member for political polciy consideration (my messages were identical):
"In your correspondence, you raise an issue that falls within the portfolio of the Honourable Ahmed D. Hussen, Minister of Families, Children and Social Development. I have therefore taken the liberty of forwarding your email to Minister Hussen for his information and consideration."
Not much of a response. Only 10x better than that from Singh.
My MP called and said his office were verifying if there was any possible support for me. This I do expect from any MP for a constituent but I recognize the call was from the MP personally and came only a few hours after I sent the message. I am sure the answer will be that there is nothing there. So the only alternative is political and the NDP is not interested.
The NDP is supposed to be an opposition party taking suggestions and considering making proposals. Maybe I should try my luck with the BQ and Green party and see if anyone there gives a shit about the people excluded from consideration in this emergency?
Yes, I did respond to the NDP asking them to remove me from all lists of supporters and to please never contact me again looking for support.
Survival for me, after a career in communications will involve begging retail places to hire me in the surge they need. It is true that I am in the age group where this exposure is stupid. But like things are in the US - work and maybe get sick or don't work and run out of money. this is where the support for Trump to re-open the US comes from: people without alternatives or support. I was nervous to even enter the store for supplies with mask and gloves and I may end up working there without protection -- if I am lucky enough.
This is where some of us are. I have seen in online comments that I am far from alone. Many in my position are also over 50 as this is the group that had difficulty getting work before the crisis. Only now things are worse.
Of course if I could get the virus, I would get support and I might survive - better than 50-50 chance even at 55. It might be a better plan -- no?
So sorry to hear that Sean. How can anyone be that tone deaf to have a worse answer than Justin Trudeau and the Liberals?
So sorry to hear that Sean. How can anyone be that tone deaf to have a worse answer than Justin Trudeau and the Liberals?
I am shocked. Really. The Liberals have presented their idea of what they think is right to parliament. The NDP's job was to constructively oppose. I get why the Liberals even might be invested in their choosen option. The NDP is supposed to consider what is coming from people and produce a response. You would think apart from principles and the entire purpose of the party that the NDP would be in the position hard-wired to see if there was political policy merit in the point made.
I cannot imagine how the NDP thinks it can grow support by blowing off people in ridings they do not hold. No, I did not say I was a supporter in my first message. I should not have had to.
I think it is truly astonishing that the NDP could not read my message and come up with an understanding of why I sent it to the leader of the party in the House that claims to care about people who is tasked with opposing a Liberal aid package in a crisis. Are they that stupid?
Yes, my message had wording that was along the lines of please let me know if things are as hopeless as they look. It was a personal request that should get an administrative response from my MP but the copy that went to the PM and to the leader of the NDP should have been recognized as a political question even if I did not underline that. They should have been able to see that I was pointing to a problem in the Liberal package and they could have taken it as a request to respond by looking at the package to see if it might be altered. I did not change the wording of my message because it really explained my position.
I sent my message on Monday before the House met to debate the package. The timing should have been clear to a competent politcian. Singh's assistant expressed sympathy but did not even fake interest other than to wish me well with empty words. That was not his job.
The NDP either needs a new leader or Singh has to consider who is working for him.
There is no way I could support the NDP again with this leader in place at least -- if ever at all. This is the kind of support that does not come back by itself. It needs to be earned by actually giving a shit.
ETA: If the NDP cannot hold my vote, then really how viable are they? I always was willing to criticize but I am in the ideology whose support they should count on. I am in the loyal roup who has voted for them for 35 years. The NDP is a third party. Their main value in parliament is to take letters like what I sent along with expert ideas and produce alternatives. They are not going to win any time soon. their value is in standing up for Canadians who are vulnerable and who have fallen through the cracks. After all -- what else are they for than to stand up and call for what is needed - at least - even if they cannot do anything else?
BTW - I am reading that there are likely thousands who were already looking for work when this hit and who officially have nowhere to turn and are directly impacted by this. Many of those have absolutely nothing as EI has already run out.
Things are rough all over...but Walmart is hiring. Better hurry though the jobs will go fast.
PS: NDP=No Difference Party. Good people are finally realizing it. Nothing like hard reality to disabuse the fond of political illusions and propaganda promises. Better late than never.
Trump's Back-to-Work Push Pits Billionaires Against the Doctors
https://twitter.com/JohnOCAP/status/1242881291357499394
"In the US, a ghoulish debate is raging on the choice between profits and human life in the context of the pandemic. It is profoundly shocking..."
Things are rough all over...but Walmart is hiring. Better hurry though the jobs will go fast.
PS: NDP=No Difference Party. Good people are finally realizing it. Nothing like hard reality to disabuse the fond of political illusions and propaganda promises. Better late than never.
Trump's Back-to-Work Push Pits Billionaires Against the Doctors
https://twitter.com/JohnOCAP/status/1242881291357499394
"In the US, a ghoulish debate is raging on the choice between profits and human life in the context of the pandemic. It is profoundly shocking..."
I understand that many in shutdown retail are flocking to walmart. I have no retail experience but I have to try. Honestly yesterday I was there and was nervous of the health implications of being in the store for a half hour to fill a perscription. Many people do not socially distance.
The Canadian Armed Forces offers an unmattched level of job security. Jobs for those that want to work immediately and manager jobs for those interested in being paid to goto university. And it doesn't have to be a military university. Many members go to Queens, Ottawa U and other universities across the country.
'If I lose my job, I lose my job..' (and vid)
https://twitter.com/camilateleSUR/status/1242999333026439169
"Toronto construction worker denounces deplorable conditions on construction sites which jeopardize the health of worker and their families for the sake of profit..."
The Canadian Armed Forces offers an unmattched level of job security. Jobs for those that want to work immediately and manager jobs for those interested in being paid to goto university. And it doesn't have to be a military university. Many members go to Queens, Ottawa U and other universities across the country.
These are not jobs for people over 50 to apply to. I just want to point that out.
Sean, your situation is horrible and unfair but maybe let it play out. He called you personally and said he would look into it. When he discovers there is nothing he can do maybe he will elevate it.
Do you remember New Brunswick? Jagmeet didn't show up. It is like the party had lost its soul. Sean I empathize with you. I am disgusted with the NDP but I don't know who else to vote for.
it is pretty sad when you are more principled than the party you have supporter and worked hard for. It is disillusioning actually.
I am so sorry to hear about your current situation. It really bothers me to realize how bad this country has really sunk. We really aren't that much better than the Unired Stares. We are just a step above.
And you have no voice from the party that is supposed to be your voice. There should be no crack in the system.
keep writing to the other parties. Write to other MPs, people who you think might listen. Send a letter to every MP in Canada. Don't give up. You are not alone. Speak for the other people who are in your same situation who aren't able to write. This is why we have a Parkiament, to make laws that matter to all Canadians during a time of crisis. They are drafting the legislation now. Write to every fucking MP in this country. Let everybody know who votes that there is a problem.
Write to every fucking senator in this country that the legislation needs to be immediately amended. Canadians are being left out. It is free to send letters to MPs and Senators. Let them all know.
Sean, your situation is horrible and unfair but maybe let it play out. He called you personally and said he would look into it. When he discovers there is nothing he can do maybe he will elevate it.
I am hoping that my MP will notice that this is a problem and that others are reporting the same thing. Becuase I have roomers here and I have some small savings I may be able to last a little while, perhaps long enough for policy makers to notice. Of course this also means impoverishing me in what may be my last decade of working life.
In the past when I have approached my MP I found that if it is an administrative thing they can help but policy concerns are passed off to others and ignored without a reply. It is hard to feel hopeful.
Given the size of the bailout and the number needing help now, I do not understand why the government is leaving out what are essentially small numbers of people compared to the need now but still quite a few who are affected by the pandemic. I think the cost to have made it comprehensive would not have been much more. The fact that it is often people in their 50s makes this worse. The idea that people who were looking for work when this hit are not affected by this is bizarre.
I do feel dismay at the lack of interest of the NDP. I reached out to Charlie Angus with personal messages and sent some to whoever is monitoring Singh's twitter account. It is possible somebody will decide to care. The moment when the legislation could have been influenced has likely passed though and I feel betrayed by the NDP which always claimed to care about people. This was the only political story this week and the NDP mishandling a contact on this topic is strange. Forgiveness is not imagineable at the moment.
On the other hand I do not feel well today. My partner is also unwell. We are afraid to go to the doctor for fear of getting the virus as we both do not think we have it as yet. The worry that we might still there though. We think we have something viral but pre Corona like a lingering flu. She is here with a Quebec medical card and so going to a doc costs money (doctors in Gatineau are scarce on a good day). Venturing out to apply for a job when unwell seems unthinkable in the context of the public health directives.
I wish there was a way to get graphics contracts I could do here and deliver through the internet... These have dried up though.
Do you remember New Brunswick? Jagmeet didn't show up. It is like the party had lost its soul. Sean I empathize with you. I am disgusted with the NDP but I don't know who else to vote for.
it is pretty sad when you are more principled than the party you have supporter and worked hard for. It is disillusioning actually.
I am so sorry to hear about your current situation. It really bothers me to realize how bad this country has really sunk. We really aren't that much better than the Unired Stares. We are just a step above.
And you have no voice from the party that is supposed to be your voice. There should be no crack in the system.
keep writing to the other parties. Write to other MPs, people who you think might listen. Send a letter to every MP in Canada. Don't give up. You are not alone. Speak for the other people who are in your same situation who aren't able to write. This is why we have a Parkiament, to make laws that matter to all Canadians during a time of crisis. They are drafting the legislation now. Write to every fucking MP in this country. Let everybody know who votes that there is a problem.
I think the legislation has been drafted but I can try to write to more MPS. I think it would be soul crushing to see Conservatives respond....
I always fall through the cracks and get screwed. It REALLY pisses me off to find others who are in the same boat. Fu*k this country is so backwards!!! It PISSES ME OFF!!!
Write to every fucking senator in this country that the legislation needs to be immediately amended. Canadians are being left out. It is free to send letters to MPs and Senators. Let them all know.
I will see what I can do tomorrow. I better get sleep now.
In the middle of this I am really worried about India, Palestine and Africa. They are on the edge of a crisis without the resources. I recognize that Canada is offering some help and despite our local needs I am very glad to see this.
I always fall through the cracks and get screwed. It REALLY pisses me off to find others who are in the same boat. Fu k this country is so backwards!!! It PISSES ME OFF!!!
Thank you for your thoughts- just this helps feel things are not quite as bad. I will try tomorrow.
I've been generally disappointed. The NDP should have been calling for measures to be taken sooner. What I want to know from opposition parties in a crisis is what they would do differently. Silence or just being reactive isn't good enough.
The Canadian Armed Forces offers an unmattched level of job security. Jobs for those that want to work immediately and manager jobs for those interested in being paid to goto university. And it doesn't have to be a military university. Many members go to Queens, Ottawa U and other universities across the country.
These are not jobs for people over 50 to apply to. I just want to point that out.
Sean if you don't mind a little side rail I think you might be surprised. I've taught a number of new members who were late 40s and early 50's. Their maturity and life experience are amazing. One student I kept in touch with joined at 51 to become a photographer. With no prior experience she learned all about photography, did 3 years then left and opened up a photography business and is doing really well. There are a bunch of office type jobs and other jobs that are like every day jobs. Postman, dental hygenist, social worker, court room reporter, plumbers, electricians etc..
Anyhow I know the military obviously isn't going to be a popular topic here and I'm not sure your personal situation but it was just a thought. If you or anyone is curious feel free to PM me. Sorry for the derail :)
Paladin, that was excellent information to throw out there to us. Thank you,
The Canadian Armed Forces offers an unmattched level of job security. Jobs for those that want to work immediately and manager jobs for those interested in being paid to goto university. And it doesn't have to be a military university. Many members go to Queens, Ottawa U and other universities across the country.
These are not jobs for people over 50 to apply to. I just want to point that out.
Sean if you don't mind a little side rail I think you might be surprised. I've taught a number of new members who were late 40s and early 50's. Their maturity and life experience are amazing. One student I kept in touch with joined at 51 to become a photographer. With no prior experience she learned all about photography, did 3 years then left and opened up a photography business and is doing really well.
Anyhow I know the military obviously isn't going to be a popular topic here and I'm not sure your personal situation but it was just a thought. If you or anyone is curious feel free to PM me. Sorry for the derail :)
I am 55. I do have photography as a part of my communications background but the rest is complicated. The short version is that my loan was called (an error) while I was in school and had a family member dying so I dropped out without the finances to continue. I lack a formal university degree.
I worked in publishing (started the company) and have a lengthy informal education of 14 years where I edited for content and style manuscripts of university professors among others. Lack of formal degree is a problem. My French is functional but is not strong enough to be accepted as bilingual for a communications position. I moved on to a number of communications positions until being laid off at 53. I then had to fight with my last employer as there was no severance and they did not even pay accumulated vacation. I did get this in the end but at cost of any recommendation.
Last year I got the last part of the settlement from that employer and have worked both the federal election for Elections Canada and for the Ontario by elections. I also did a design contract for a few hundred in December. This is what I have been living on.
This is why getting work has been a problem and why eligibility is a problem. I do not think CF are interested in this profile. I would try anything that has a chance though. Desperation does that.
Ontario Hospital Staff Told To Ration Masks As COVID-19 Spreads
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/toronto-covid-mask-rationing-hospitals-1....
"Major Toronto hospitals are rationing surgical masks amid the current COVID-19 pandemic, and in some cases, even urging nurses and other front-line staff to use just one mask for an entire shift, according to memos obtained by CBC News. The Registered Nurses' Association of Ontario has called on the provincial and federal governments to supply front-line health care workers with more personal protective equipment including masks, and is warning there's already a shortage of hospitals across the province..."
Ontario Hospital Staff Told To Ration Masks As COVID-19 Spreads
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/toronto-covid-mask-rationing-hospitals-1....
"Major Toronto hospitals are rationing surgical masks amid the current COVID-19 pandemic, and in some cases, even urging nurses and other front-line staff to use just one mask for an entire shift, according to memos obtained by CBC News. The Registered Nurses' Association of Ontario has called on the provincial and federal governments to supply front-line health care workers with more personal protective equipment including masks, and is warning there's already a shortage of hospitals across the province..."
This could not be more clear. The need to stay home is not only to flatten the curve but also to delay the peak. Let me explain this:
Flattening the curve means that people get sick in a more spread out way so that the peak demand is lower. We have all seen this. However, capacity of the medical system is not a constant. This capacity is increasing as companies switch to produce more ventilators, beds, gloves and gowns.
By staying home you are not only flattening the curve but also delaying the peak. Imagine the capacity as a rising line over the charts you have seen of flattening the curve. The flatter curve in these models we have seen also peaks later where it may be below the rising capacity line even though the same level of peak earlier could be above it.
This is an additional explanation of the flattening the curve requirement. It is also a major flaw in Trump's argument. Not only does a flatter curve have a lower peak, this peak is later so that increased capacity can catch up in key areas like venitlator beds and PPE for health workers.
Pittsburgh Sanitation Workers Hold Wildcat Strike, Demanding Safety Gear
quote:
In Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, hundreds of sanitation workers held a wildcat strike Wednesday demanding more protection from the virus. This is one of the workers, Sheldon White.
Sheldon White: “We want better equipment, protective gear. We have no mask. We want hazard pay. Hazard pay is very important. Why? Because we have high copayments for any type of bill. We risk our life. Every time we grab a garbage bag, there could be a needle or something in there.”
Kosovo Prime Minister Ousted over Coronavirus Response as Santiago, Chile Locks Down
In Kosovo, lawmakers ousted Prime Minister Albin Kurti in a no-confidence vote Wednesday over his refusal to declare a state of emergency over coronavirus.
In Chile, with over 1,000 confirmed cases, large parts of the capital Santiago will go into lockdown to slow the spread of the coronavirus. Earlier this month, fears over the pandemic ended five months of large-scale protests demanding the resignation of President Sebastián Piñera.
In Stockholm, Sweden, 17-year-old climate activist Greta Thunberg said she “very likely” had COVID-19 and has since recovered. Thunberg said she experienced a very mild illness, while her father Svante experienced much more intense symptoms.
..a democracy now report
Solidarity Not Charity: Mutual Aid & How to Organize in the Age of Coronavirus
As lockdowns and layoffs sweep the U.S., mutual aid groups are forming to protect and provide for the vulnerable, including the elderly, incarcerated, undocumented and unhoused. We look at the incredible community networks across the country that are coming together to protect their neighbors during the coronavirus pandemic — and how you can get involved. From Washington state to the Bay Area, Arizona, Colorado, Minnesota and New York City, thousands of mutual aid efforts are aimed at building solidarity, not charity. We speak with two longtime mutual aid organizers and activists in two hot spots of the pandemic. In New York City, Mariame Kaba is a longtime organizer, abolitionist, educator and the founder of the grassroots organization Project NIA, which works to end the incarceration of children and young adults. She has raised tens of thousands of dollars and redistributed it to groups across the country in response to the coronavirus pandemic, and she just did a public conference call with Congressmember Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez on mutual aid. In Seattle, Washington, Dean Spade is an associate professor at Seattle University School of Law and founder of the Sylvia Rivera Law Project. He is the creator of mutual aid resource website Big Door Brigade.
Trump proposing to send troops to the Canadian border (30 miles back) to prevent illegal crossers.
This is of course to turn US troops into reelection props. The only Canadian now wanting to escape universal healthcare is likely to be Maxine Bernier.
As for Americans wanting to come here: they would not be able to get healthcare without status; status will be refused; the trip to the border would be dangerous -- their numbers would not justify a militarized border even as the crisis worsens in the US. Canada of course will send any troops we have to provide assistance as needed as supply chains are interrupted, temporary hospitals need to be created -- for the emergency not for a fantasy problem at the border.
Why must small bookstores be closed? How many will reopen? Because of Amazon they are non-essential.Amazon and Walmart are doing fine.
These opinions are important https://off-guardian.org/2020/03/24/12-experts-questioning-the-coronavir...
The only Canadian now wanting to escape universal healthcare is likely to be Maxine Bernier.
I LOL'd.
Although, there are many of us who have family in both countries. And while I doubt attempted crossing will be all that many, I can easily imagine this crisis leading to scenarios in which people wish they could be with their loved ones on the other side of the border.
Why must small bookstores be closed?
To protect the health of workers, customers, and the community at large. I am friends with two owners of small independent bookstores. For now, their business has moved entirely online. Financially, they are now in an even more precarious spot than usual, but are still able to sell and have books delivered.
Re Trump Administration to Station Troops at Canadian Border
https://twitter.com/cattunneycbc/status/1243216928837177344
"Much stronger language from Freeland just now. 'Canada is strongly opposed,' she said..."
yeah right...
I got the answer from my MP.
Yep I am completely screwed. But I am probably not alone.
The CERB will be available to workers residing in Canada, who are at least 15 years old, and who:
· Have earned at least $5,000 in 2019 or in the year prior to their application from any of a combination of the following sources: employment, self-employment, Employment Insurance maternity and parental benefits, and/or similar benefits paid in Quebec under the Quebec Parental Insurance Plan (QPIP); and
· Are without employment or self-employment income for at least 14 consecutive days in a four-week period, for reasons related to COVID-19, including if they have temporarily stopped working, lost their job, are sick or in quarantine, or need to care for a child or a family member.
The intent of this system is to streamline EI Sickness, EI Regular, and the Canada Emergency Care and Emergency Support Benefits into a single Canada Emergency Response Benefit for those impacted by COVID-19. As such, both EI and non-EI eligible individuals will be able to access this new Benefit. The new Benefit will provide a flat weekly amount of $500, paid in four week instalments for up to 16 weeks. This Benefit is available from March 15th, 2020 until October 3, 2020.
I qualify for the first criteria easily. The second not at all. If you were unemployed in the market looking for a job then you did not lsoe your job becuase of this.
Essentially what this does is abandon anyone who was looking for a job when this hit. Any of those job seekers whose employment ran out or will run out during this crisis will be left with nothing.
It is as if the framers of this policy cannot realize that people who were in the job market and applying for jobs are affected by this shutdown and the order that they stay home.
Considering an unemployment rate of over 5% in February the numbers of people abandoned in this must be significant.
Anyone whose EI ran out before this started or will shortly run out are screwed.
Sean wrote: "In the middle of this I am really worried about India, Palestine and Africa. They are on the edge of a crisis without the resources. I recognize that Canada is offering some help and despite our local needs I am very glad to see this."
The virus is travelling through the Israeli prisons and spreading like a wildfire infecting Palestinians within the system.
I too am worried about Africa and India. There are many places globally where extreme poverty and lack of proper nutrition is going to have a catastrophic effect on large segments of some populations and that includes South and Central America and the Caribbean as well.
Sometimes I get too wrapped up in my own situation that I forget how devastating this pandemic is for others elsewhere.
Worker at NYC Hospital Where Nurses Wear Trash Bags as Protection Dies From Coronavirus
https://nypost.com/2020/03/25/worker-at-nyc-hospital-where-nurses-wear-t...
"We had to reuse our masks, gowns and the face-shield', one nurse said. 'We were told, 'you get one for the entire time until this is over.' The nurse also said various items, including masks, wipes and Purell hand-sanitizer, began 'disappearing through the night..."
'That's When All Hell Broke Loose': Coronavirus Patients Start to Overwhelm US Hospitals (and vid)
https://www.cnn.com/2020/03/25/health/coronavirus-covid-hospitals/index....
"...We don't have the machines, we don't have the beds', the doctor said. 'To think that we're in New York City and this is happening,' he added. It's like a Third-world country type of scenario. It's mind-blowing. Two weeks ago, life was completely different."
