Premier Blaine Higgs says we have not yet reached the peak of the pandemic and that they’ll be counting additional numbers in the days ahead.
However, he is very proud of the cooperation of New Brunswickers and the all-party cabinet committee during this ever-changing situation.
“We are already starting to discuss our country’s eventual recovery from this pandemic,” said Higgs. “Eventually, this situation will end, and as a nation, we will need to make the right decisions to grow our economy, repair the damage that has been done, and put us on a trajectory that will bring prosperity to Canada, including to the resilient people of New Brunswick.”
Higgs is also pleased with the way many Canadian manufacturers have responded to the crisis.
“Work is underway to re-tool certain plants to produce ventilators. Hand sanitizer plays an important role in protecting front line essential workers and all residents from illness and it was one of the first things to disappear from store shelves when this pandemic began. There are many facilities that are changing their normal operations to produce hand sanitizer,” he says.
Higgs added the Canadian Red Cross will be launching a website at noon on Monday, March 30, that will provide information about a one-time income benefit available to either workers or self-employed people in New Brunswick who have lost their job due to the state of emergency.
Payments of this one-time $900 benefit will begin on April 2.
“I thank the Red Cross for their response and support,” said Higgs. “This is exactly the type of partnership we need during these difficult times.”
He also announced changes to the province’s new information line.
“It was recently brought to my attention that people trying to call for information were not able to leave a message when calling after hours. I have looked into this and from now on, callers will have the option to leave a message and someone will respond during regular hours.” Higgs says.
