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
Most of Canada to receive emergency alert test today
The federal government will test its capacity to issue emergency alerts today, with the exception of Ontario, where the test will take place on May 15.
OPINION What King Charles' schedule being too 'full' to accommodate son suggests about relationship with Prince Harry
Prince Harry, the Duke of Sussex, has made headlines with his recent arrival in the U.K., this time to celebrate all things Invictus. But upon the prince landing in the U.K., we have already had confirmation that King Charles III won't have time to see his youngest son during his brief visit.
Ontario man devastated to learn $150,000 line of credit isn't insured after wife dies
An Ontario man found out that a line of credit he thought was insured actually isn't after his wife of 50 years died.
BREAKING Ontario Provincial Police arrest 64 suspects in child sexual exploitation investigation
Ontario Provincial Police say 64 suspects are facing a combined 348 charges in connection with a series of child sexual exploitation investigations that spanned across Ontario.
Boy Scouts of America is rebranding. Here's why they've changed their name
After more than a century, Boy Scouts of America is rebranding as Scouting America, another major shakeup for an organization that once proudly resisted change.
Trial begins for Winnipeg serial killer who claims he was mentally ill
The trial of a man who admits he killed four women in Winnipeg is set to begin Wednesday, and a law professor says lawyers for Jeremy Skibicki have multiple hurdles to clear for a defence of mental illness.
These adults born in the '90s partnered with their parents to buy homes in Ontario
An Ontario woman said it would have been impossible to buy a house without her mother – an anecdote that animates the fact that over 17 per cent of Canadian homeowners born in the ‘90s own their property with their parents, according to a new report.
New Canadian study could be a lifesaver for thousands suffering from CTE
A first-of-its-kind Canadian research study is working towards a major medical breakthrough for a brain disorder, believed to be caused by repeated head injuries, that can only be detected after death.
Rape, terror and death at sea: How a boat carrying Rohingya children, women and men capsized
In March, Indonesian officials and local fishermen rescued 75 people from the overturned hull of a boat off the coast of Indonesia. Until now, little was known about why the boat capsized.