COVID-19News

COVID-19 Update: Vancouver Centre

By May 7, 2020May 12th, 2020No Comments

Our government acted quickly when COVID-19 became apparent across Canada, to provide real-time emergency assistance and timely information to Canadians to ensure that you’re healthy and safe.

As a physician, and as your Member of Parliament, I have a responsibility to communicate this information to my constituents and help you navigate government services—and that’s been my team’s priority. At the start of this pandemic, I directed my staff to find creative ways to get the message out to those who may be falling through the cracks. We’re outreaching directly to low-income constituents, seniors, students, and small businesses that may be affected.

In addition to our work with the federal COVID-19 task force and the Prime Minister’s office, we’re coordinating with organizations like the West End BIA, students’ groups, post-secondary institutions, Vancouver Coastal Health, LGBTQ2+ groups, the Vancouver Police Department, provincial Ministries, seniors’ groups, and the Office of the Mayor of Vancouver.

My office is here for you. If you’re having trouble accessing programs or services from the Government of Canada, we’re working day and night to solve them and provide up-to-date information. Don’t hesitate to contact us at (604) 666-0135 or hedy.fry@parl.gc.ca if you need help.

While my physical office is temporarily closed, we’re working remotely every day. Our phone lines in Ottawa and Vancouver have been forwarded to my staff’s cell phones. We’re triaging email between Vancouver and Ottawa, and convening daily calls to troubleshoot and to help you.

I want to thank organizations like the West End BIA and the dozens of small businesses that have stepped up to distribute our COVID-19 information flyers to seniors who are isolated and without WIFI or cable. They include Blenz Coffee, Milano, YPS Denman Pharmacy, Euro Foods Plus, just to name a few. Even though they’re hurting, so many businesses—small and large—continue to be generous and supportive of our community.

It makes us feel less alone. It reminds us that we are in this together.

I want to thank my constituents for looking after each other, and for keeping me and our government informed about barriers and omissions in our emergency benefit programs.

We’re listening, we’re learning, and we’re adapting based on your feedback. Keep it up.

Stay home. Wash your hands with soap and water. Maintain physical distancing. Stay Safe. Stay well. Be a good neighbour. Reach out and touch someone, virtually.

— Hedy

Dr. Hedy Fry is the Liberal MP for Vancouver Centre and the longest-serving female MP in Canadian history. For updates on COVID-19, please visit canada.ca/coronavirus or call 1-833-784-4397. If you need help accessing Government of Canada services, Dr. Fry’s team can be reached at 604-666-0135 or hedy.fry@parl.gc.ca.