MP for Battle River-Crowfoot Damien Kurek reached out to his constituents via Facebook Live Wednesday night, March 25.
He said this was his first time hosting a virtual town hall, but with the COVID-19 Pandemic, and the importance of self-isolation, this would be an effective tool.
“Two weeks ago many of us could not imagine we would be in a situation where our country is basically shut down,” he said.
He praised those in the community who are working hard to help others as well as keeping essential services running. He also emphasized the importance of following the protocols of good hygiene, washing hands, social distancing to protect the community.
“It is important we do something many of us have not heard of since high school math, and that is to flatten the curve. If we can reduce the spread of COVID-19, we can truly help protect our population,” he said.
“I’ve had some questions asking if this is as big a deal as it is being made out to be? I would say from all the evidence I have seen, it absolutely is, especially when it comes to the capacity our healthcare system can take, it is absolutely fundamental we do everything we can to protect the most vulnerable among us.”
He commented on the Emergency COVID-19 Bill, which passed the same day. It provides $52 million in direct support to Canadians, as well as support for business.
He also outlined some of the provincial efforts to support Alberta residents and encouraged those who need it to reach out for support.
He offered encouraging words to constituents as they go through some very challenging times.
“I know there has been some talk about mental health challenges of being
isolated, there’s the financial stress and struggles many people are facing. They are all very real but as Canadians, we are tough and I would encourage you not to lose hope in the midst of this because if we can stick together and be creative in the way we support local businesses, we can get through this and come out the other side strong as Canadians and ready to get things back to normal.”

The Drumheller Emergency Management Agency is employing a new tool to help people in need connect with those who can help.

 The Drumheller agency is grateful to the Stettler Emergency Management agency for sharing its community resource connection tool.

This form allows those who need assistance to reach out, as well as if you are able and willing to volunteer or are available for hire. 

"If you are in need of support or if you want to volunteer, this on-line form at https://floodreadiness.drumheller.ca/community-resource-tool/ will help you find the appropriate resources,” said Mayor Heather Colberg. “We are so fortunate municipalities are working together during this crisis.”

She is heartened by how members of the community are stepping up for each other.            

“While it’s frightening to see what’s happening around the world, I am so proud of this community coming together to fight this vicious virus. I will also say, I’m not surprised in the least. This is a community that has come together time and again to face crisis,” she said. “We have what it takes. We know what to do and we will come out the other end stronger than before. We always do. I encourage everyone to share photos and stories on how our community is responding in a careful, compassionate and caring manner by using #drumcares in your posts."

This form aims to assist us in establishing connections for the following services: childcare, groceries and household essentials delivery; medication delivery; pet care, tutoring, and other volunteering needs.

To fill out the form click here.