Time to end profit-making in seniors’ care
By Andrew Longhurst and Kendra Strauss, from “Policy Notes” via the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives The coronavirus pandemic has shone a light on serious problems in Canada’s seniors’ care system, as nursing homes quickly became the epicenters of the outbreak. These problems are not only due to the greater vulnerability...
New COVID-19 supports for businesses, local governments
The Province is providing enhanced relief for businesses by reducing most commercial property tax bills by an average of 25%, along with new measures to support local governments facing temporary revenue shortfalls as a result of COVID-19. “We know that B.C. communities and businesses are suffering from the economic impacts...
Local face shield production expanded
Austin Innovation is scaling the production of medical face shields from their lab in Trail, BC as a stopgap measure to meet the demand for COVID-19-specific personal protective equipment (PPE). The new entity, located in the lower level of Austin Engineering, is part of the collaborative team manufacturing PPE for the medical...
Early prohibition of fires, fireworks throughout BC: UPDATED
In addition to the earlier announcement of an early burning ban across the province to begin on April 16, the province has issued open burning restrictions for all High Smoke Sensitivity Zones across the province until Wednesday, April 15, 2020. These restrictions are directly in response to the COVID-19 pandemic and the...
Province offers guidance to mining and smelting operations during COVID‐19
As challenges caused by novel coronavirus (COVID-19) continue to shift, the B.C. government and Dr. Bonnie Henry, B.C.’s provincial health officer (PHO), are taking unprecedented measures to slow transmission. On March 16, 2020, Henry issued an order under the Public Health Act prohibiting gatherings of more than 50 people....
Community Futures: Helping Businesses through the COVID-19 Pandemic
With businesses closing their doors in order to prevent the spread of COVID-19, the need for business supports is urgent. As a non-profit community economic development organization, Community Futures Central Kootenay is committed to helping businesses and communities through this crisis. Staff have been monitoring government...
Kootenay Savings offers options/relief as COVID crisis evolves
As a member-owned credit union, local decision-making and thriving communities are the cornerstone of who we are. The health and safety of our members, employees and communities are of utmost importance to us. With the extraordinary events around us evolving at a rapid pace, we’re proactively taking precautions against the...
Intefor announces production curtailments in response to COVID crisis
The following is a press release issued by Interfor Wednesday afternoon, describing their actions in response to COVID-19: INTERFOR CORPORATION (“Interfor” or the “Company”) (TSX: IFP) today announced it will implement a number of initiatives in order to adjust its business to operating conditions being impacted by COVID-19. ...
Head of BC Chamber responds to federal/provincial COVID-19
Federal Finance Minister, Bill Morneau, just unveiled the “first phase” of Canada’s “Economic Response Plan” – which includes $27B in direct support and aid to Canadians and $55B in tax deferrals. The federal package includes a number of desired-actions you flagged in our network-wide COVID-19 Business Impact Survey the results...
Teck enacts 'extensive preventative measures' for COVID-19
Teck is implementing extensive preventative measures across its offices and operations in order to safeguard the health of its employees, while continuing to operate safely and responsibly maintain employment and economic activity. All Teck corporate offices have been closed and remote work implemented for all employees able...
