MP John Williamson of New Brunswick Southwest recently sat down for an interview on CHCO-TV's Southwest Magazine to discuss the work his office has been doing during the COVID-19 pandemic and also how he feels the region has faired during this trying time."

There is no doubt that we have weathered COVID-19 well both in New Brunswick and in Canada, but the economic lockdown has affected millions of people across Canada. The scars of that are going to run deep," said Williamson.

The majority of the questions Williamson's office has been hearing about have been related to job loss and economic insecurity. "Because of the pandemic, the concerns I've been hearing about from the riding have been more focused," said Williamson. "I have a great team in St. Stephen, and three people work with me there. There have been a lot of questions around the wage subsidy and help from the government for people who have lost work and an income. I've also had a lot of questions from and about workers who travel to and from the area for work, both international business travel and inter-provincial."

Williamson said small businesses in the area will face the most challenges in the years ahead when it comes to recuperating from the pandemic. "If you look at the challenges they've face in Alberta, Quebec and even Ontario, we've faired pretty well economically especially in terms of tradespeople," said Williamson. "But small businesses have definitely faced difficulties, and it will be a challenge to help get them back on their feet when this is all over."

Williamson said once of the biggest issues for the region that the pandemic has made crystal clear for all New Brunswickers is the need for Campobello Island to have a year-round ferry that connects the island to mainland New Brunswick. Islanders currently rely on a bridge to Lubec, Maine and an approximately 50 km route from the state of Maine to connect to the rest of the province.

"The Campobello ferry was important before, and it's crucial now," insisted Williamson. "There's no doubt we need a full-time link between Campobello and the mainland of New Brunswick, and I'm committed to helping make that happen. Campobello residents are Canadian, and they should be able to move freely in their own province and country."