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.’”