Mr. Speaker, damn COVID-19!
“I am a store owner. The government closed my store, my livelihood, and then allowed it to reopen, but now my customers prefer to shop online.”
“I am a restaurant owner. My dining room is empty. I was asked to reinvent myself, but my refrigerators are once again too full.”
“I am a therapist. My waiting room emptied out before I was able to help. I find it hard to no longer be able to help people.”
“I am a young entrepreneur whose dream is dying. I do not know whether I will have the courage to start over.”
“I am a student. I have been hearing about these years, about prom and university parties since I was a child. Today, I have to entertain myself by watching TikTok between online classes.”
“I am a worker. I have energy to burn, but my shop is closed. It is depressing to be stuck at home.”
“I am a senior. I am finally at an age where I have some freedom, but I have never felt so alone. I have never met my great-grandchildren.”
“I am the forgotten. No one talks about me on television and the various levels of government have forgotten about me, but life has changed for me too and I have no one to talk to about it.”
“I am a member of Parliament. I can no longer shake hands with my constituents, but so many of them need reassurance. To them, I say, ‘Talk to us, even through your mask. Our ears and hearts are open.’”