April 6, 2020

Apply for federal cash

Today (April 6) is the first day you can apply for the new Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB) meant to help people impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Government of Canada says it’s paid in blocks of four weeks in the amount of $2,000 at the rate of $500 per week. A maximum 16 weeks of benefits can be paid. Apply online here (based on your birth month): www.canada.ca/en/services/benefits/ei/cerb-application

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau this weekend promised that if Canadians who are eligible apply, they’ll receive money in as soon as three to five days.

I sincerely hope that promise can be met because scores of Canadians are in dire straits and they need money quickly. As the Member of Parliament for Edmonton Griesbach, I want to hear about your experiences if you apply for this program. 

Canadians deserve the best possible service from their federal government during this time of crisis and I want to ensure they get it. E-mail me directly at: [email protected]

Convicted criminals shouldn’t be released

Anyone serving time in a federal prison is serving serious time for a serious crime.

Convicted criminals should be behind bars not out in the public.

Releasing serious criminals puts the Canadian public at an increased risk that is unacceptable.

How to prevent COVID-19

You can find up-to-date information from Alberta Public Health or the Public Health Authority of Canada. 

Alberta Public Health can also be reached by phone at 811. 

What are COVID-19 symptoms? 

 

 

 

What is social distancing?

 

 

 

What is self-isolation?

 

 

 

Wage subsidy available 

 

 

 

New travel rule in effect

There are compulsory rules for Canadians who return home. 

 

 

 

Assistance programs offered from the Government of Alberta

 

 

 

Bad timing on MP pay hike

By now, you’ve likely heard about the 2.1% pay raise for Members of Parliament that kicked in automatically April 1.

Sadly, Opposition MPs cannot legally stop this federal government-legislated pay raise.

But I intend to donate the money I get in this pay hike to charities and organizations in my Edmonton Griesbach riding that are working hard to make life better for people amid this COVID-19 health crisis.

Carbon tax hike unfair

Regardless of how one feels about the federal carbon tax, it shouldn’t be raised during a crisis. Yet, that’s exactly what the government has just done. On April 1, the carbon tax went up by 50%.  

This tax makes it harder for struggling Canadians who are currently in no position to pay more in taxes.

During a crisis like this, the government should help struggling Canadians, not raise their taxes. 

In the news

You said it

I always like to hear feedback from my constituents. 

There’s nothing more important than hearing from everyday Canadians, especially during a crisis.

As your Member of Parliament, I need to know your experiences accessing the government services that have been created for you.

With your feedback I can pass along any issues and work to fix any problems with services.

Please do send me your feedback on your experiences with government services.

Here’s some feedback I’ve received:

“I think that people really should be trying to avoid going out a lot regardless of whether they have symptoms.” Adrienne K.

“I have been calling this number 1-800-531-7555 every day, all day since Sunday but the line is busy. They won’t even put me on hold.” Agnieszka H.

“I have been calling everyday and cannot get through on the phone lines.
When I go on to my Service Canada it states they need to talk to me for more information and to call 1-800-531-7555 to talk to a agent. Nothing will be processed until I talk to an agent.” Sherry D.

 “I am out of options and have spent over 16 hours on the phone with CRA and Service Canada to receive information, and have had no luck.” Amanda S.

“I’ve tried for three days to reach Revenue Canada on their help line and it’s impossible to get through.” Jim B.

Share this valuable e-newsletter with a friend 

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Members of Parliament get the most current, accurate and comprehensive updates regarding the COVID-19 crisis. Want regular highlights of these? Sign up for my e-newsletter. You can unsubscribe at any time. Sign up here.

I want to hear from you 

I’m always eager to hear from you. Do you have beefs? Bouquets? Suggestions?

Drop me a note at my e-mail address.

Please note our local Edmonton constituency office is currently still open to serve you but it’s by appointment only. We simply ask that you call ahead to book an appointment.

Thanks so much. Stay healthy!

E-mail:
[email protected]

Phone:
(780) 495-3261

Mail (postage free): 
Kerry Diotte, MP 
House of Commons
Ottawa, ON K1A 0A6


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