Sunday March 29, 2020 ~ NATIONAL
by Mary Brooke ~ West Shore Voice News
Today in his daily briefing to Canadians about the continuing COVID-19 outbreak, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau focussed on filling in more gaps that exist for vulnerable sectors of society. He addressed helping youth and seniors, and people in vulnerable household situations.
He announced measures to support vulnerable Canadians to help cope with the health, social, and economic impacts of the COVID‑19 pandemic.
Risks of stress, hardship, and abuse are expected to rise as people become unable to access the social and community supports on which they rely in their everyday lives.
“During the global COVID-19 outbreak, the Government of Canada is working hard to help Canadians, including our youth and seniors. Over the last week alone, we have announced major new supports for families, for workers, and for businesses. But even with this extra help, people are facing a tough situation. And, for people who were already struggling, it’s even harder now,” it was stated by the Prime Minister.
The measures introduced today are intended to help provide young people with mental health supports and Canadian seniors with practical services. They will also help ensure some of the most vulnerable Canadians have a safe place to turn and a roof over their heads. The Government of Canada will:
- Increase support for Canadians experiencing homelessness, and provide help for women and children fleeing violence. As announced on March 18, 2020, the Government of Canada will provide an additional $157.5 million to address the needs of Canadians experiencing homelessness. The government will also provide up to $50 million to women’s shelters and sexual assault centres, including facilities in Indigenous communities, to help with their capacity to manage or prevent an outbreak.
- Provide support for counselling services to children and youth. As a result of school closures and reduced access to community resources, Kids Help Phone is experiencing increased demand for its 24/7 confidential online, telephone, and text counselling services across Canada. The Government of Canada will give $7.5 million in funding to Kids Help Phone to provide young people with the mental health support they need during this difficult time.
- Provide immediate essential services to Canadian seniors impacted by COVID-19. The Government of Canada will contribute $9 million through United Way Canada for local organizations to support practical services to Canadian seniors. These services could include the delivery of groceries, medications, or other needed items, or personal outreach to assess individuals’ needs and connect them to community supports.
It was pointed by the federal Minister of Families, Children and Social development, Ahmed Hussen, that the government is working with partners to increase the support to ensure organizations on the front lines of COVID. “This pandemic means that some of our fellow Canadians need help now, more than ever,” saying this is a way to serve those Canadians who need it most.”
Acknowledging the commitment of young people to staying home from school or work to help ‘plank the curve’, Bardish Chagger, Minister of Diversity and Inclusion and Youth said: “This is an unprecedented time. Canadians are anxious about what is happening here at home and around the world. Young Canadians are concerned too, and for those youth who don’t have someone to talk to, they can turn to Kids Help Phone.” The federal investment in a youth support helpline is $7.5 million. There will be counsellors and trained volunteers ready to take calls. “Physical distancing does not mean you are alone – help is a phone call away,” said Chagger.
Minister of Seniors Deb Schulte says: “While physical distancing is essential to protecting seniors from COVID-19, it risks isolating them from their community. That is why the Government of Canada is proud to work with United Way Canada to help support the needs of seniors during this difficult time. By using local expertise, this funding will help provide support tailored to the unique, local needs of seniors across the country. As we work together to flatten the curve and slow the spread of the virus, the government is supporting Canadians every step of the way.”
Health Minister Patty Hajdu — who has been at the front of Health Canada’s response to COVID-19, also commented on the youth help line: “The changes happening to slow the spread of COVID-19 create disruptions in our lives. That is why helping everyone maintain good mental health during this time is a priority for our government, and this investment in Kids Help Phone – a leader in responding to the needs of young Canadians – is an important step towards that goal.”
Quick Facts
- If infected by COVID-19, Canadians aged 65 and over, and those with compromised immune systems or underlying medical conditions, are at an increased risk of more severe complications. If you are at risk for complications, you can take action to reduce your risk of getting sick from COVID-19.
- Canadians who experience symptoms of COVID-19 should stay home and call their local public health authority to get advice on what they should do.
- Without additional support, COVID-19 will have a disproportionate impact on vulnerable populations who may be less able to deal with the health, social, and economic impacts of the pandemic. Risks of stress, hardship, and abuse are expected to rise as people become unable to access the social and community supports on which they rely in their everyday lives.
- United Way Canada is a charitable, not-for-profit organization that works to improve people’s lives and build strong communities across Canada. They provide services for vulnerable populations including seniors, people with disabilities, and Canadians experiencing homelessness.
- Kids Help Phone is a 24/7, national support service for children and youth at 1-800-668-6868. The organization offers professional counselling, information, and referrals, as well as volunteer-led, text-based support, to young people across the country in English and French. Their service is completely confidential.
- The funding for seniors will be delivered through the New Horizons for Seniors Program. The Program supports projects that help improve the well-being and quality of life of seniors, and fosters social inclusion and engagement of Canadian seniors in their communities.