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
BREAKING Foreign meddling 'did not affect' overall federal election results: inquiry report
Foreign interference by China did not affect the overall results of the 2019 and 2021 general elections won by Justin Trudeau's Liberals, a federal commission of inquiry has found.
BREAKING Police arrest 3 in killing of B.C. Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar
Three people have been arrested and charged in the killing of B.C. Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar.
Why your airfare may be getting more expensive
Skyrocketing airfare prices are linked to heightened competition and rising food and fuel, according to the CAA.
WATCH LIVE Funeral today for broadcasting legend and voice of 'Hockey Night in Canada' Bob Cole
A funeral is being held today for hockey broadcasting legend Bob Cole in his hometown of St. John's, N.L.
Magnitude 4.8 earthquake recorded west of Vancouver Island
A 4.8-magnitude earthquake was reported west of Vancouver Island Thursday evening.
Who is Hope Hicks, longtime Trump aide who is testifying in N.Y. hush money case?
Hope Hicks, once a longtime trusted aide in Donald Trump’s inner circle, is testifying Friday in the New York hush money trial after being subpoenaed.
TD worst-case scenario more likely after drug money laundering allegations: analyst
TD Bank Group could be hit with more severe penalties than previously expected, says a banking analyst after a report that the investigation it faces in the U.S. is tied to laundering illicit fentanyl profits.
How falling for a stranger she met on a beach led this woman to ditch the U.S. for the French Riviera
Niki Benjamin, from the U.S., had travelled to a paradise island to do some soul searching, and her life ended up going in a very different direction when her dog ran up to a stranger.
Biscuits with possible plastic pieces, metal found in ground pork: Here are the recalls for this week
Here are the latest recalls Canadians should watch out for, according to Health Canada and the Canadian Food Inspection Agency.