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Operation Inspiration will live on

MLA Warren Michelson's column from this week's issue of The Moose Jaw Express
MLAsColumn_WarrenMichelson
Moose Jaw North MLA Warren Michelson

The news of a Snowbird crash came as a tremendous shock across our country, and especially to the aerobatic team, the residents of 15 Wing and to every citizen of Moose Jaw. Our thoughts are with all of them. The accident occurred during Operation Inspiration; an initiative to inspire Canadians during COVID-19 pandemic.

Those who live in and around Moose Jaw have an immeasurable pride in the Snowbirds team of highly-skilled pilots, engineers, instructors and support staff. I speak for everyone when I say we appreciate the talent, precision and excitement generated by these professionals as they soar through the sky with the red and white jets trailing a banner of smoke, thrilling every heart.

Our community is deeply saddened by the unfortunate event that took the life of Captain Jenn Casey, the Snowbirds Public Affairs Officer, and injured pilot Captain Rich MacDougall. Our prayers and condolences go to the family and friends of Capt. Casey, along with our wishes for a healthy recovery for Capt. MacDougall. It is a time for healing and caring, and for great appreciation of the Snowbirds, for the members at 15 Wing and for those who serve in the Canadian Armed Forces.

As the Snowbirds inspire our country, the people of Saskatchewan never cease to inspire me, especially as we work to weather the current global health pandemic. It is with gratitude that I acknowledge our health care workers. The added demands placed on them to prevent the spread of COVID-19 are significant. Many of them work in situations where they could be exposed to the virus. In care homes they take extra effort to comfort residents who have been unable to see their family or friends for over two months now. Their efforts have made a huge difference in the lives of those they serve.

On April 30, a temporary wage supplement at essential care facilities was announced. The supplement offers $400 for each four-week period, up to 16 weeks, for the period from March 15, 2020 to July 4, 2020. You can learn more at www.saskatchewan.ca/wage-supplement-program.

Thanks to the diligence of the people of Saskatchewan, our province was able to move ahead with Phase 2 of Re-Open Saskatchewan this past week. This is to be done very cautiously. It also means we must remain vigilant in continuing the precautions that have helped us retain a low infection rate. Please keep the following in mind:

  • Respect the rules of the businesses you visit;
  • Refrain from loitering in stores or malls;
  • Do not gather in groups;
  • Now is not the time to browse – only shop for what you need;
  • If you purchase food at malls or stores, it must be taken home to eat. Food court seating areas remain closed and eating is not allowed in other areas; and
  • All elements of the public health order remain in effect.

You can find the most up-to-date version of the Re-Open Saskatchewan plan online at www.saskatchewan.ca/re-open.

Our constituency office remains open to serve you by email: michelsonmla@shaw.ca or by phone: 306-631-8825.

The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author, and do not necessarily reflect the position of this publication. 

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