Thank you, Madam Chair.
I'd like to start by specifically thanking all the union members, all the grocery and retail store employees who helped keep the stores open and active and put themselves and their families on the front line as we pulled back and stayed home. We wanted to make sure we also had food security. I'm glad we managed to be able to give them the benefit, however short-lived.
I want to thank them on my behalf and on behalf of all my team members as well as our government. Your members were instrumental in getting us through to this stage, and I'm sure they'll remain instrumental.
Having said that, I've heard a lot about the pandemic not being over, so why is that pandemic acknowledgement fee of $2 per hour being cut back?
I'm going to start by reading a statement that came from Loblaws' chief executive officer, and I'd like to get some feedback from all of you about why they would make the statement, if we believe the pandemic is not over.
The statement from July 11, 2020, from Loblaws' chief executive officer reads:
Finally, as the economy slowly reopens and Canadians begin to return to work, we believe it is the right time to end the temporary pay premium we introduced at the beginning of the pandemic. Things have now stabilized in our supermarkets and drug stores. After extending the premium multiple times, we are confident our colleagues are operating safely and effectively in a new normal.
I'm going to pause. I don't want to read the rest because I want to give you an opportunity.
Mr. Dias, let's start with you. Do you believe the pandemic is now over, and if it's not, what indicators are you using? I'm aware of it. I still wear a mask and I know the pandemic is not over and some provinces are at stage two, but how could a statement like that be made, that we are getting back to normal?