July 9, 2020
With the release of the Economic and Fiscal Snapshot 2020 yesterday, the Canadian Federation of Nurses Unions urged the government to stay the course in its efforts to assist workers in this time of unprecedented crisis.
The COVID-19 pandemic brought on record job losses and unparalleled economic uncertainty, necessitating the rapid and effective deployment of emergency assistance to people across the country.
The CFNU welcomed the government’s willingness to step in to provide relief for millions of Canadians.
As our nation continues to recover from the COVID-19 crisis, CFNU President Linda Silas highlighted the critical need for ongoing federal assistance.
“While the deficit has grown as a result of these necessary economic supports, it is more important than ever that the federal government continue to provide a steady hand in helping Canadians get back on their feet and our economy working again,” affirmed Silas. “With our national recovery just beginning, now is not the time to abandon workers, families and communities. At this critical moment, we are looking to our government to strengthen the public sector services we need most, including pharmacare and child care.”
Silas added, “Strong government programs such as these will be vital in helping us to build healthier and more resilient communities.”
Canada’s nurses are calling for the government to invest in a healthy recovery for our nation, with a renewed focus and targeted investments in quality health care, good jobs, essential services and effective climate action.
“The COVID-19 pandemic has had devastating impacts on workers and families, and exposed the fragility of many of our systems. Our government must invest in crisis-proof systems to help our nation weather future emergencies.”