The Member of Parliament for Dauphin—Swan River—Neepawa is giving an update on what’s happening with a number of issues at the federal level.
Dan Mazier voiced concerns over the Trudeau government’s handling of the vaccine rollout.
“The reality is Canada is behind the US, UK, European Union, Mexico, Brazil, India and Indonesia for vaccine procurement,” Mazier said, adding that the “most frustrating thing about the situation" is the delay in planning around getting the vaccine out, and who should get it first.
Mazier says that while the Trudeau government is talking about getting Canadians vaccinated by September, other countries — like the UK — are looking to roll them out next week.
“Canadians really have endured enough here. Our top of mind is getting this country working again, and getting this country healthy again.”
Freeland’s Fiscal Update
Speaking on this past week’s fall economic statement — Mazier says it appears the Liberals still have no plan for helping Canadians looking for work, who have been hit hard by this pandemic.
Mazier says despite the Liberal's pandemic spending contributing to a historic deficit — the support for Canadians being offered by the Trudeau government still isn't good enough.
“A whole bunch of money in deficit, but not much to show for it other than debt and a bunch of businesses barely staying above water.”
Mazier Talks New Mental Health Support
The Member of Parliament for Dauphin—Swan River—Neepawa says he’s working with his conservative team for a national 3-digit suicide prevention line.
It would be similar to a 9-1-1 emergency number, but for suicide prevention.
Mazier says the mental health issues resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic are very serious, citing the Canada Suicide Prevention Hotline has experienced a 200% increase during the pandemic.
With “local health services and emergency hotlines being overwhelmed,” Mazier says the suicide prevention hotline would be a valuable tool.
“In the middle of a pandemic, everything gets tested and we really did notice this would be a really good opportunity for people to get more organized around mental health and address it.”
