Dear residents,

I hope this finds you and your family healthy and well. 

Although the pandemic’s impact on people has understandably been our focus over the past few weeks, we have actively been working on the many public policy priorities and issues that need our attention in our community.

And while the pandemic has been obviously shocking and unprecedented, it has also exposed many pre-existing vulnerabilities and inequities in our society. However, we do have an opportunity, and a responsibility, to create a new “normal”  that’s far better than what we knew before. 

If we choose to, we can create a healthier and more equitable society. We can respect and protect our elders, build safer and more accessible public spaces, finally address the roots of violence and existing bigotry and inequities, adapt our main streets for success and ensure that the new “normal” is a better normal for everyone- no matter where you live, how much money you have, who you love or what you look like. 

The actions we’ve been taking together to combat COVID-19 have come from a place of personal responsibility, and they’ve been a collective act of kindness. We’ve each made decisions to take care of our own loved ones, but also many people whom we’ve never met before. It’s clear now, more than ever, how interdependent we are.

Now, as we “get through this” together, let’s build towards a “normal” we can really be proud of - and that includes us all.

P.S. My daughter Molly has an idea: when we beat the virus, let’s celebrate our frontline workers and scientists with a global holiday called “COVID-19 Helpers’ Day”. To watch her video, please click here.

Sincerely,

Josh

PLEASE FOLLOW THE LINK FOR THE FULL REPORT:

https://joshmatlow.ca/enewsletter/city-hall-and-community-update/