Open Letter to the Standing Committee on Health
November 12, 2020
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Red Deer – Mountain View, AB
Throughout 2020, Canadians have made numerous sacrifices in the name of public health. These sacrifices go far beyond the obvious economic impacts resulting from shuttered businesses and lost jobs. Recent reports that highlight skyrocketing opioid deaths and decreasing mental health, resulting from pandemic restrictions, are very alarming.
With Canadians facing the Second Wave of the COVID-19 pandemic, it has never been more important than now for members of the committee to work on solutions that protect both the lives and livelihoods of Canadians.
Solutions should be focused on protecting the most vulnerable, specifically our seniors. Businesses should be given the support required to keep their doors open. This can best be accomplished by building trust with Canadians through consistency and transparency.
Since Parliament returned on September 23, 2020, Liberal Members of Parliament have continually filibustered committee meetings resulting in very little being accomplished by the committee.
The Honourable Patty Hajdu, Minister of Health, has not appeared to account for decisions relating to the handling of the pandemic since March 11th. Claims of being “too busy” to attend committee meetings in order to avoid oversight are simply unacceptable.
In order to efficiently use taxpayer funds, the government needs to be held to account. Members of Parliament should be granted access to all relevant COVID-19 data that has collected to date in order to make better decisions going forward.
I urge the Standing Committee on Health to put aside silly partisan games and get to work. Canadians have entrusted their lives and livelihoods to you. In return, you should respect them by efficiently managing committee time, spending tax dollars wisely and communicating transparently and consistently with the public.
Sincerely,
Jared Pilon
Candidate for Red Deer – Mountain View, AB