Those signs of spring that generate optimism in prairie people have been slow to come in Saskatchewan. This certainly is the year that we could use some encouragement to stay optimistic. Focusing on those things for which we can be grateful is an important step in maintaining good mental health.
As the people of our province do; they are coming up with creative and thoughtful ways to show compassion and kindness. Parades of vehicles drive by the homes of people having a birthday, including seniors in care homes. Windows are decorated with hearts to show appreciation to our health care workers, emergency services workers, truck drivers and grocery store personnel. I was touched when I heard about the show of support for the family of NHL player, Colby Cave, who died of a brain bleed recently. Vehicles lined Highway 16 near North Battleford, when Cave's family was expected to drive by on their return home from Ontario; where Cave was receiving care.
Thanks to the diligence of many, we have seen days when there are more recoveries than new cases of COVID-19. Good news leads to optimism, but we will have to be patient in continuing to follow restrictions and infection control procedures. Relaxing restrictions will only be done cautiously and with good medical and scientific information.
Premier Moe has offered a ray of hope for small businesses that are suffering due to COVID-19 restrictions. Last week he announced a $50 million program to provide financial support to small and medium-sized business that have been forced to temporarily close or severely curtail their operations due to restrictions placed by the battle against COVID-19. The new Saskatchewan Small Business Emergency Payment will provide a one-time grant of 15 per cent of a business' monthly sales revenue – to an amount not exceeding $5,000. A key feature of that plan is that the grant is flexible and does not need to be used on any specific cost pressure. Premier Moe is encouraging all of us to get behind our local businesses once they re-open, because recovery will only happen if we support the businesses in our communities. Businesses can also access federal government supports implemented to assist them through the impacts of COVID-19.
One of my Legislative duties includes co-chairing the Saskatchewan Construction Panel, an organization of construction executives and legislative decision makers. I have been watching closely how the construction industry is faring. Construction has been designated as an “allowable” industry during this time. The Saskatchewan Construction Association is working with the Government of Saskatchewan to keep their workers and the public safe while keeping our important construction industries operational. They have created an industry task force and put on webinars to ensure construction businesses have the knowledge and a solid understanding of what is required to work safely with specific focus on COVID-19 restrictions.
Construction professionals must follow lifesaving protocols every day. They have increased their protocols to protect Saskatchewan families, communities and themselves. They have published best practices, which include maintaining physical distancing of 2 meters or more, not sharing tools or vehicles, sanitizing shared surfaces, pre-access screening, and a number of other safety protocols. With additional safety measures in place, important construction projects and jobs within the industry will continue as the construction season begins for another year.
Thank you to individuals, businesses and industries who are working in many ways to reach out and encourage optimism as we patiently wait for spring to come, and our circumstances to improve.
The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author, and do not necessarily reflect the position of this publication.
