LETTER

Message from Pontiac deputy André Fortin 

For three weeks now, our world has completely been turned upside down. We live differently. The simple things in life, those we all took for granted have disappeared. No more sipping coffee at the local diner. No more family dinner with parents and grand-parents.

Those may seem like small sacrifices, but for many the sacrifices are far greater.  Many of us are completely alone. Isolated. With no physical contact.

Thousands of other have lost their jobs and entire families are unsure about their financial future.

Kids are living between four walls. So are we. Which for many of us means trying to work from home, while also educating and entertaining them. Three full-time jobs at once.

But over and above this, our healthcare workers look out for us, day after day, at the risk of their own health. And even with all their courage and determination, thousands of Quebecers are sick. Dozens more have passed.

Finally, no one can accurately predict when all this will be behind us. When, hopefully, everything returns to normal and we can resume our lives as we know them.

For the time being, we are asked to follow the rules. Stay home. Wash your hands regularly. Respect social distancing rules. Ironically, it’s when we are told to isolate ourselves that, more than ever, we need to be able to lean on one another. This isn’t easy for everybody. Many of us are having a hard time living with the uncertainty. Let’s keep an eye out for one another. It doesn’t take much to make a difference. Calling a senior. Shopping for a neighbor. A few hours of volunteering at the Food Bank, or even making a small donation, if you can afford it.

Throughout all this, our government have come up with economic policy to try to respond to your economic situation. Over the last weeks,  a variety of programs have been created to help you. Given the scale, these programs have already changed a few times. It hasn’t been simple to follow and many of you may have questions. When will they be available? Do I qualify? How can I apply? If you have questions, do not hesitate to contact us. Obviously, our office at the Galeries has had to close, but you can reach us anytime at 819-684-4400 or andre.fortin.pont@assnat.qc.ca. Don’t hesitate. We’d love to help.

In the mean time, stay safe and take care of one another.

André Fortin

MNA for Pontiac