They answered questions on issues and topics that they have been hearing from constituents throughout the COVID-19 pandemic as well as questions that came in from our open call. Thanks to everyone who made time to send in questions. We answered as many as we could fit in during the time available.

During our chat Jeff and Karen took the time to delve into the issues as opposed to just giving cursory answers, which was appreciated.

These are the questions:

• What are the levels of government doing to support people in our community around issues of homelessness, drug use, and mental health? Do you have any concerns with the programming currently on offer to support vulnerable persons in our community and how can we work to improve it?
• Are there any provincial or federal plans to advocate for rapid housing or transitional housing and do you feel there is a need to implement increased services of this kind in St. Thomas itself?
• When will phase 3 roll out and who will be included? For example is there a timeline for hair salons barbers and tattoo parlours will be able to reopen?
• The St. Thomas Downtown Development Board submitted a statement asking for comment regarding the concerns around allowing big box stores to continue to sell non-essential items while small stores in the downtown core were not able to sell the same goods.
• Will the Digital Main Street programs, designed to help and fund local businesses increasing their digital footprint continue to roll forward with financial support from the Provincial Government?
• Why were the constituency offices shut down when other essential businesses had to keep their doors open and their staff coming in?
• Despite cheerleading being a provisional sport in the 2024 Olympics, our province and country do not consider cheerleading to be a sport. This means that despite having strict guidelines around re-opening (just like gymnastics, which was allowed to open), our athletes are unable to train individually. When will these athletes have their voices heard?
• What is your stance on the Carbon Tax on agriculture, especially at this time?
• Where is the Canadian Government on the Canadian Emergency Student Benefit?

At the end of the Q&A we also talked about Karen’s work as the Shadow Minister for Women and Gender Equality, and how being able to work across party lines is essential when you’re working for the people.

This video is the second and final part of our Q&A.

Thanks for listening!

-Grayden.