March 18, 2020 – Vancouver, BC – The BC business community has announced the creation of the COVID-19 Cabinet, to address the significant impacts on our economy in these unprecedented times.
The group represents business, labour and employees, and allows for collaboration and quick response to changes in the business environment. It will work with government to share information and advocate on behalf of the BC business community and workers to ensure their voices are heard.
The group will work collectively to share information on the impacts of COVID-19 and will provide a point of contact for government as it creates policies, programs and measures to support business and workers to address the significant economic impacts.
The following organizations are coming together in a coordinated voice and represent a broad spectrum of industries and sectors including:
- Business Council of British Columbia
- Greater Vancouver Board of Trade
- BC Chamber of Commerce
- Independent Contractors and Businesses Association
- Canadian Federation of Independent Business
- Council of Forest Industries
- Canadian Association of Petroleum Producers
- Association of Consulting Engineering Companies BC
- Association for Mineral Exploration BC
- BC Restaurant and Foodservices Association
- Urban Development Institute
- BC LNG Alliance
- BC Hotel Association
- BC Trucking Association
- Vancouver Economic Commission
- BC Construction Association
- BC Care Providers Association
- Mining Association of BC
- BC Gaming Industry
- BC Real Estate Association
- Ketchum Communications
- Surrey Board of Trade
- Motion Picture Industry Association
- BC Maritime Employers Association
- BC Tech Association
- BC Salmon Farmers
- The Alliance of Beverage Licensees
- Chartered Professional Accountants of BC
- Construction Labour Relations Association of BC
- Tourism Association of BC
- BC Farmers’ Association
- BC Road Builders & Heavy Construction Association
- BC Economic Development Association
The group will be reaching out to other organizations in the coming days to support BC business, labour and workers to address challenges and ensure economic recovery in the coming weeks and months.
Quotes:
“We are living through a crisis on a scale not seen in generations – it is essential that government and business come together to support individuals, families, and communities. Fast action combined with bold and visionary policy measures are needed to restore confidence and provide reassurance to British Columbians worried about their jobs, their families and their futures.” Chris Gardner, President, Independent Contractors and Businesses Association
“COVID-19 is having major impacts on our health and on our economy,” said Bridgitte Anderson, President and CEO of the Greater Vancouver Board of Trade. “Collaboration is key to ensuring business and workers are taken care of in these very uncertain and challenging times.”
“Working together, BC business are committed to informing and supporting the actions of governments to protect the health of people and our economy from COVID-19” said Greg D’Avignon, President and CEO of the Business Council of British Columbia. “Now is the time for large-scale government fiscal resources to be applied quickly to bolster the economy, support families, and assist businesses over the next several months. Boldness is needed to defeat this challenge.“
“It is imperative that the business community and government work together to ensure those being impacted receive the support they need. Small Business owners are resilient by nature, but will definitely need support to get through these challenging times.” Laura Jones, Executive Vice President, Canadian Federation of Independent Business
“The health and safety of citizens is priority number one – but there’s a window for businesses here, too. Our long term economic resilience and ultimate recovery will be a function of how governments listen to the timely intelligence coming from the business community today. We thank the federal and provincial governments for leaning in with the business community as this unfolds.” Val Litwin, President and CEO, BC Chamber of Commerce
“We applaud the federal and provincial governments for making the health and safety of Canadians their first priority and welcome the additional support being put in place to help workers, businesses and the broader economy during this period of uncertainty. As BC’s forest sector continues to navigate extremely challenging times, the Council of Forest Industries strongly supports the economic measures announced today and urges additional actions that support enhanced access to capital and operational and business continuity. These measures will, in turn, support forest companies, their employees and families, and communities across the province.” Susan Yurkovich, President and CEO, BC Council of Forest Industries