Canada ‘well-prepared’ for serious coronavirus outbreak, MP tells constituents

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This article was published 06/03/2020 (1712 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

At a town hall in River Heights Saturday morning, Jim Carr fielded questions about everything from the coronavirus to rail blockades to climate change — a range of topics clearly at the top of mind for many in Winnipeg and across the country.

Carr, the member of Parliament for Winnipeg South Centre since 2015, was recently appointed the federal government’s special adviser for the Prairies, and his constituents were more than ready to let him know their concerns.

About 60 people, mostly over the age of 50, packed into the Corydon Community Centre for the meeting.

One of the main concerns brought up was related to COVID-19. The virus has so far had more than 100,000 confirmed cases worldwide and 57 cases in Canada — and attendees wanted to know whether the federal government has adequately prepared for an outbreak.

The federal public health agency has stressed that despite mounting worry over the virus, the risk posed in Canada remains relatively low. On Friday, the country’s chief public health officer, Dr. Theresa Tam, noted most cases confirmed so far are mild, and that the public health system was well-equipped to co-ordinate a response should the situation worsen.

Carr echoed Tam, saying despite anxieties, the government remained on top of the virus.

“Canada is well prepared,” he told the Free Press. “The system itself is prepared for the possibility of a more serious outbreak,” he added. 

As the former minister of Natural Resources, Carr also likely anticipated questions related to the nationwide discussion about the proposed Coastal GasLink pipeline in British Columbia, and inevitably, the project was brought up by some attendees, as was climate anxiety.

Carr indicated such projects should still be expected in the future, but they will be subject to approval through the amended federal bill C-69, which imposes stricter review on major industrial projects. The answer seemed to satisfy the audience, though some critics say the bill doesn’t adequately protect natural resources.

After the town hall ended, Carr said the new review process emphasized economic growth, environmental stewardship and Indigenous participation.

Audience member James Ivanyshyn asked Carr for his thoughts on removing the GST on residential retrofit projects to increase energy efficiency, to which Carr replied, “Sounds like a good idea to me.” 

Asked about his personal health, Carr — who announced he had been diagnosed with blood cancer after winning re-election in September — said he was feeling well, and that further treatment was slated for the coming weeks.

“I feel as if I’m ready for the next phase, and right now, am trying to find a balance between treatment and work,” he said.

ben.waldman@freepress.mb.ca

Ben Waldman
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Ben Waldman covers a little bit of everything for the Free Press.

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