May 11, 2020

CERB needs improvements

I’ve been proud to support programs that have helped Canadians during this crisis.

Through no fault of their own millions of Canadians have found themselves out of work and forced to stay home.

The government must be there for Canadians who are struggling.

However, the government’s response to this crisis has often needed major improvements and we Official Opposition MPs have insisted on changes that improved government legislation.

Many folks I’ve talked to have spoken of serious problems with the programs that’ve been created to help them.

The Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB) has several serious failings.

Right now, if someone makes $1,001 a month they’re no longer eligible for the $2000 monthly benefit.

So, a person who earns $1,001 receives $1,999 less a month than someone who earns $1,000 and is also eligible for the $2,000 benefit. 

When the economy begins to re-open many Canadians could be worse off because they choose to work. 

That’s not right. No Canadian should be punished for going to work.

I’m calling for the program to be more flexible and sensible by allowing Canadians to increase their income earned without losing the entire benefit.

This way, Canadians wouldn’t be penalized for working. Yet, those who are unable to work still get the support they need.

If you’ve had issues with any of the government’s support programs please let me know.

By sharing your experiences, I can raise these concerns in Parliament and push to see Liberals change these programs for the better so you and others could get the benefits you deserve, and not be left to fall through the cracks.

Please contact my office at (780) 495-3261 or by e-mail at [email protected].

Columnist derides the “useless” Liberal gun ban

Last weekend I said there was one word — useless — to describe the ban on what the federal Liberals like to call “assault rifles.”

Let me add another: chaotic.

Banning legal gun owners from possessing certain models of firearms would not have prevented any of the mass killings in recent Canadian history — Ecole Polytechnique, the Quebec City mosque or last month in Nova Scotia.

That makes the ban useless.

Nor will the ban announced by the Trudeau government prevent bank heists or drug gang turf wars, because the ban only impacts legit owners and legit owners are not the source of crime.

But the ban is worse than useless. It’s almost impossible to comprehend.

(Read the full column here)

Latest news on 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.

 

 

 

Benefits for Canadians

There are programs available to help you and your family. 

Remember: the way the government set up CERB you need to reapply every 4 weeks. 

 

 

 

In the news

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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.

Call or e-mail us and we’ll be happy to serve you.

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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