Goudy speaks on COVID-19, provincial government spending plans

“We may be ok individually,” he said. “But it’s the people we pass things on to that we need to be concerned about.”

With COVID-19 causing havoc on the world, Goudy acknowledged the uncertain times many people are in financially. He said the Chief Medical Officer in the province is working with the provincial government who is always working with the federal government to make sure everyone is covered. Goudy said there are people who are concerned about bills being paid, and how they will be able to afford other expenditures.

He said those with children in daycares, and those with kids in school have all had to make changes. He said that it’s not easy for anyone, and we need to work together.

“These kinds of things, that’s a real concern,” he said. “But know for sure that the government is understanding that, and doing all that we can and working with the federal government to be there for the people of the province.”

The crisis has also caused numerous businesses in the northeast to scale back, or shut their doors completely. He said when this pandemic passes, the government will do what they can to help bring the economy back. Goudy acknowledged the farmers who will be starting seeding soon. He said the money will be there to make sure businesses can either stay afloat, or get back on their feet.

“We don’t want to see any businesses shut down for any length of time,” Goudy said. “We need to support local business; we need to support one another through this time. And when it’s all over, we need to restart the economy.”

Goudy said right now, he and his family are healthy and it has given him some more time to do things that he hadn’t had as much time for prior. He said he’s gotten to spend more time with his children, and that there’s a few birthdays coming up as well, and while they won’t be able to celebrate with a big gathering, they are still able to spend time together.

He added even in a time of self-isolation and social distancing, there are still opportunities to be social.

“If you can’t go and visit people with coffee,” Goudy said. “Most people have time to receive a phone call.”

Meanwhile, while COVID-19 has dominated headlines in recent weeks, earlier this week the Saskatchewan government announced their spending plans for 2020 in a “scaled back budget.”

In that budget, the much anticipated CT Scanner was granted to Melfort with $2 Million earmarked for the project. It’s a project that has been at the top of mind for many politicians and residents in the northeast for many years. Goudy gave credit to the Finance Minister Donna Harpauer who while trying to balance the budget, and keeping the province in a good fiscal spot, was still able to make the promise a reality.

“With all of that going on, to still fulfill their promise in bringing this area the CT Scanner,” Goudy said. “I am just overwhelmed with gratitude.”

Goudy added during this time, we need to be patient and work with one another to make sure we get through this uncertain time in the province.

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mat.barrett@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @matbarrett6

by Mat Barrett

Goudy speaks on COVID-19, provincial government spending plans

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