Image Credit: BC Legislature - Dreamstime - Edwin Christopher

By Fraser-Nicola MLA Jackie Tegart

Sound Off

SOUND OFF: This fall, the government needs to step up

Aug 28, 2020 | 9:32 AM

One of the most challenging and different summers we have ever experienced is coming to an end. We have been extremely lucky to bypass some of the terrible fires and flooding that we have faced in previous years, but that does not mean we were without hardship. COVID-19 has affected us all in many ways. Medical challenges, emotional stress, travel and visitation limitations and financial strain have made for a season that was unprecedented.

The return to school next month is bringing with it a host of issues as parents, teachers and administrators do their best to prepare for and get their heads around how this coming school year will look. The government that just this week unveiled their back-to-school plan, which effectively downloads the entire responsibility on school districts, has not helped this. These are uncharted times, but that does not excuse government from adding directly to the stress levels of hundreds of thousands of British Columbians trying to figure out what September will look like for them and their children. I want to personally send my heartfelt thanks to all of those in our local school districts working so hard.

Where the impact of this pandemic is also still being felt everyday is with small business owners. This year has thrown countless businesses, their owners, their staff, their suppliers and customers into complete disarray. Some essential businesses have seen an increase in revenue due to their inherent necessity, but thousands more businesses, the cornerstones of our communities, have not fared well.

You only need to walk down any previous bustling thoroughfare of any town to see this. This is of course still an issue in smaller communities that are used to traffic and tourists bringing activity and spending power. Now it is a challenging balance to have the need for business-saving revenue and the public health requirements put forth by Dr. Henry. Assuredness of safety measures and consumer confidence are all on a precarious balance at the moment.

We can all do our part to support small businesses. This includes supporting local restaurants, local shops and delivery services as well as visiting and supporting local tourism spots or focusing on stay-cations and regional tourism. Now more than ever we can all make a lasting and meaningful impact in our communities by simply supporting small businesses, but we know that will not be enough.

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What we also need, that is lacking, is leadership and a plan. A plan from government that will provide support to the various sectors impacted is needed now. Unfortunately there has been a lot of talk about COVID relief funding but no actual implementation yet in sight. Financial support is needed for so many businesses immediately, not in a few months, not next year, but now, or else we will face a barrage of closures, bankruptcies and weakening local economies throughout the province.

I know that none of us want to see this. We want British Columbians to have the opportunities they deserve, businesses the chance to survive and for our communities to not be irreparably changed by this pandemic. I again want to call on all of you to do what you can to support your local economy, local businesses and local regions. I am also, along with my colleagues, calling on government to step up with a comprehensive plan that supports businesses and communities. We are all in this together, but we all still need support.

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Editor’s Note: This opinion piece reflects the views of its author, and does not necessarily represent the views of CFJC Today or the Jim Pattison Broadcast Group.