A local member of the Official Opposition has said the prime minister needs to do more to help Canadians through the COVID-19 pandemic.
Essex MP Chris Lewis, a Conservative, has issued his response to the Throne Speech, which was delivered by the Governor General in Ottawa on Wednesday. Lewis charged that Trudeau spent more time dodging scandals in his office than helping Canadians get through the most severe public health crisis in recent memory.
"I keep hearing from residents who say they’re concerned about their health, their loved ones, their jobs, and how they are going to pay their bills this winter," said Lewis in a release. "While there remain many unknowns, Justin Trudeau had an opportunity to lay out a plan to help. But he failed to do so and is leaving Canadians behind, once again."
Lewis said the Liberal government has not answered several key questions on its response to the pandemic.
"Why is Canada falling behind our allies when it comes to COVID-19 testing?" asked Lewis. "Other countries continue to safely offer home testing and online kits. And where is the plan to deal with a second wave? We can’t accept an economic shutdown as the only solution."
In the Throne Speech, the government promised aggressive financial support for those hit in the pocketbook by the pandemic, including the extension of benefits like the Canadian Emergency Response Benefit (CERB). Lewis said he has been in contact with many people in his riding who are concerned about a variety of pandemic-related issues, including businesses that have been hard hit by the closures and are at risk of never reopening.
The MP did express some hope that under new Official Opposition Leader Erin O'Toole, Canadians will soon realize that Conservatives are in their corner.
"I know that our country can overcome adversity together, and we can emerge from the COVID era stronger and more united than ever before," said Lewis.