COVID-19 Cabinet created to support business, workers across British Columbia to address unprecedented challenges

March 18, 2020

For Immediate Release
March 18, 2020

VANCOUVER, B.C. — 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 of BC
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 Food services 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
Canadian Energy Pipeline Association
Canadian Home Builders
Canadian Fuels Association
Mining Suppliers Association of BC
Association of British Columbia Marine Industries
Insurance Bureau of Canada
Electrical Contractors Association of BC
BC Aviation Council

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:

“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

“We are living through a crisis on a scale not seen in generations – it is imperative 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 of BC

“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

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Media enquiries:

Greater Vancouver Board of Trade
604-640-5450 | media@boardoftrade.com