Vulnerable people are struggling as 5th wave of COVID-19 continues: QS
Québec solidaire (QS) co-spokesperson Manon Massé says she is worried about the growing poverty and distress among Quebecers, as well as the difficulties experienced by community groups that are supposed to be able to help them as the COVID-19 pandemic continues around the world.
"The fifth wave is hitting hard," she said.
The MNA for Sainte-Marie--Saint-Jacques, who has a long track record of community work, says she is increasingly questioned by people in her riding and elsewhere.
"It is not uncommon for people to contact their MNA, the MNA is not there, and they come to my office for comfort and solutions," she said. "People know that they will be welcomed, received and heard for what they are going through and no, they will not be told that there is no housing crisis in Quebec."
Massé says people who now use food banks often have jobs but are struggling to keep up with rising prices due to the pandemic.
The face of poverty has changed, she points out, saying Chez Émilie, a food bank, is now serving 1,200 people a month.
"The need has increased... I'm really worried," said Massé, adding the fifth wave has been particularly difficult for many because people are "exhausted."
Irritated by what she perceives to be a lack of understanding by the Legault government, the MNA says she promises to continue to be the voice of the most vulnerable in the National Assembly.
"The community organizations... that pick up human misery, well, they lack the manpower, they lack the money," Massé said. "When this social net of the social net starts to crumble, well, for many people, it is the street that is left as an alternative."
-- This report by The Canadian Press was first published in French on Jan. 27, 2022.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
'He's in our hearts': Family and friends still seek answers one year after Nathan Wise’s disappearance
It’s been a year since Nathan Wise went missing and his family is no closer to finding out what happened to him.
'My family doctor just fired me': Ontario patients frustrated with de-rostering
Dozens of Ontarians are expressing frustration in the province’s health-care system after their family doctors either dropped them as patients or threatened to after they sought urgent care elsewhere.
Ottawa pizzeria places among top 20 deep-dish pizzas in the world at international competition
An Ottawa pizzeria is being recognized as one of the top 20 deep-dish pizzas in the world.
Canada Post cracks down on Nunavut loophole to get free Amazon Prime shipping
Amazon's paid subscription service provides free delivery for online shopping across Canada except for remote locations, the company said in an email. While customers in Iqaluit qualify for the offer, all other communities in Nunavut are excluded.
Wildfire near Fort McMurray more than triples overnight, several evacuation alerts remain in place
The fire burning near Fort McMurray grew from 25 hectares to 5,500 hectares over the weekend.
Putin replaces Russian defence minister in rare cabinet shakeup
Russia’s President Vladimir Putin began a Cabinet shakeup on Sunday, proposing the replacement of Sergei Shoigu as defence minister as he begins his fifth term in office.
Man fatally 'slashed in the neck' in downtown Toronto, suspect outstanding
Police are searching for a male suspect after a man was “slashed in neck” on Sunday morning in downtown Toronto and died.
WATCH Dashcam video shows terrifying near-miss on two-lane northern Ontario highway
There were some scary moments for several people on a northern Ontario highway caught on video Thursday after a chain reaction following a truck fire.
Edibles, armchairs and adapters: Here are the recalls for this week
Health Canada announced various product recalls this week, including electric adapters, armchairs, cannabis edibles and vehicle components.