Feds working 'as fast as we can' on aid, assures MP Chagger

As restaurants, farmers markets and small businesses shutter, leaving thousands without work in Waterloo region, Waterloo MP Bardish Chagger says her federal government is moving "as fast as we can" to get relief in the hands of people who need it.

"Every level of government is working really well together to make sure that those supports are in place," Chagger told The Morning Edition's host Craig Norris on Monday.

It's only been a week, said Chagger, since Prime Minister Justin Trudeau began his daily updates outside Rideau Cottage in Ottawa, where he is in self-isolation. "But every day when you're at home or you're in the situation feels a lot longer. So we are moving definitely as fast as we can," she said.

'My depression's getting worse'

Every day counts, for people like Jill Coture — who lost both her serving jobs when restaurants in the region closed to all but takeout and delivery.

She says she tried to apply for Employment Insurance, but was told it will be 28 days before she's eligible; those who can get earlier access are sick or under self-isolation.

"My depression's getting worse, my anxiety is getting worse. I'm worried about how I'm paying my rent, my bills," said Coture. "There's still people out there working. I have no choice. I have to sit at home collecting no income whatsoever."

"It almost pays to call into TeleHealth and say you're sick," said Coture.

From the farm to homes

Jennifer Osborne and her husband own a small sheep and dairy farm in Mount Forest.

Normally, they rely on farmers' markets to get their products in the hands of their customers. Since those are now closed they've had to get creative.

"We're trying to essentially do home delivery for yogurt, kefir, gelato, sheep milk, cream cheese."

She said they're delivering twice a week from the Kitchener-Waterloo area, to Mount Forest, to Georgetown. Luckily - it's the slow time of year and fibre festivals have been cancelled, so the Osbornes have the time, provided their customers have the fridge space.

"Of course people are stocked up right now. So in the next week or two it might change."

Hopeful money will flow in April

The House of Commons reconvenes on Tuesday with all parties agreeing to pass emergency legislation to free up funds. Many of those plans were outlined in Prime Minister Trudeau's daily briefings.

And, Chagger said, it's important in the early stages of the governments' response to hear feedback from people like Coture on how these tools are working.

"This feedback matters. That one week waiting period for EI sick benefits that was waived was an initial measure.

"We need to ensure the emergency care benefit is going to all people who need it. People like Jill."

CBC News has reached out to Employment and Social Development Canada to confirm if this extension of Employment Insurance is in the works.

A spokesperson would only say that "the government will be announcing more details about the emergency benefits in the coming days to support workers in Canada impacted by COVID-19," and that the federal government is "working urgently to develop and implement the various new measures during these extraordinary and rapidly changing times."

Charger said with Parliament reconvening Tuesday, she said she's hopeful money will start to flow in April -- in just over a week.