Canada’s Commendable Response to Covid-19
The year 2020 will always be remembered as the year of disasters, the most devastating being the Covid-19 pandemic. A contagious virus, which could potentially be fatal for victims with pre-existing conditions, coronavirus has monumentally impacted countries across the world at economic and social levels. Even with high recovery rates and low death rates, the Covid-19 virus has already left considerable losses in its wake.
Several countries have tackled this global pandemic in their own way, many following the guidelines of WHO while others follow protocols of their own. A country is only as resilient as its least resilient people. In these tough times, the support provided by the government in various countries goes a long way in keeping the pandemic in check.
A group of commercial and non-profit organisations studied the response of over 150 countries to the coronavirus outbreak across 78 parameters and Canada ranked 13th on the list, way ahead of USA which ranked 70th.
Immediate Response
Canada focused on promoting social distancing measures amongst its citizens. By late March, mandates to close down schools, universities, public playground and non-essential businesses was issued. The government urged non-essential workers to work from home and social interactions were discouraged but not mandated against. Social gatherings were limited to between 5 and 10 people. Public transit had majorly decreased. There were strict travel restrictions placed at international borders to prevent unregulated entry of foreign citizens.
Canada’s public health system is overseen at a federal, provincial and regional level. Hence, provinces have jurisdiction over their respective regions and determine mitigation and containment strategies for their own provinces.
Economic Plan for Covid-19
Canada’s aims to provide $100 billion as financial aid to families, businesses and individuals that have been personally affected by the crisis. As of April 2020, 6 million Canadians have applied for and benefited from the Canadian Economic Response Benefit (CERB). This scheme ensures that Canadians who have been financially impacted by the pandemic will receive $500 per week for up to 16 weeks. It also includes a new loan program for business and deferrals of tax payments. On a provincial level, announcements have been made of individual rescue packages to support businesses and individuals affected by the crisis.
Measure Taken for International Students
Universities Canada organisation, the represents Canadian universities, is at the forefront of this crisis. Canadian universities continue to prioritise the health of their students, staff, faculty and communities by transitioning into a work-from-home protocol. The organisation works closely with the government to communicate the impact of the virus on the university sector. Moreover, these universities are also mobilising human resources and infrastructure to lend support to fight the pandemic at a more local level.
International students who need to extend their stay in Canada are eligible for implied status which enable them to continue to work or study in Canada on their original permit until the Immigration Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) takes a decision regarding their work/study permit.
Additionally, the government has lifted the restriction of working 20 hours per week (permissible on their visa) and allowed students working in the 10 priority sectors that are helping fight Covid-19 to work over 20 hours per week until August 31. International students who are eligible for CERB will receive governmental support in the form of income. Moreover, international student who have work experience in Canada have an added advantage as the country is increasingly targeting immigration candidates with employment records for Express Entry.
Canada’s extensive and timely response to the pandemic is proof of their priorities – the health and welfare of their citizens. The benefits and privileges accessible to Canadians are far more superior than those in most developed countries. These reasons, and many more, explain why Canada is one of the best destinations in terms of quality standard of living.
