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“I am a Canadian, free to speak without fear, free to worship in my own way, free to stand for what I think right, free to oppose what I believe wrong, or free to choose those who shall govern my country. This heritage of freedom I pledge to uphold for myself and all mankind.” ~~ John G. Diefenbaker

CATHY MCLEOD -- Canada thirsty for more than a snapshot

How and where do
we proceed from here
There is no question that extra spending was necessary ... by the federal government with the COVID-19 pandemic ... but the lack of a plan for what's next is deeply concerning.


The Finance Minister provided a "fiscal snapshot" to the country last week and the $343-billion deficit forecast is 10 times what was projected before the pandemic.


But more troubling than the out-of-control spending is there is no transition plan in place to help individuals and businesses move forward.


It's essential to redesign some of these programs for economic recovery; the Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB), for instance, gives people little incentive to try to work if they are going to be cut off by earning over $1,000.


We need a plan, not just a snapshot, from government that helps outline how and where we proceed from here.


WORKING TOGETHER ... “Sweet Stuff”

Spotted at the Kamloops Farmers' Market downtown on Wednesday, long-time vendor Emma Molina shows shoppers her fresh produce, baking and preserves. She and her husband Antonio own Berry Sweet Garden in Kamloops.


Farmers' markets thrive
A great way to support the local economy and glean some fresh produce, baking, art and handmade goods is by visiting one of the farmers' markets in our riding.


Kamloops has two: Wednesdays from 8am to 2pm, and Saturdays from 8:30am to 12:30. Shoppers are asked to "shop, don't stop" to reduce crowding, and urged not to attend if unwell.


New this year to help with social distancing at the Saturday market is online shopping with curbside pickup: www.localline.ca/kamloopsfarmersmarket


Barriere has a market on Thursdays from 10-3 beside Sam's Pizza, Clearwater's is Saturday from 9-noon at Dutch Lake Community Centre, and Sun Peaks' is Sunday from 9:30-1:30.


The South Cariboo Farmers' Market in 100 Mile is on Fridays from 10-1 at Birch and Third, Clinton's is at Hunnies on Sundays from 10-2, and there's one Saturdays from 10-2 at Interlakes Corner on Highway 24.


It's more important than ever to support local, so I encourage people to visit their farmers' market!

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