BC Government launches Economic Recovery Task Force

The provincial government has announced a new Economic Recovery Task Force that will begin meeting on Thursday.

The team is comprised of leaders from several sectors such as business and labour, as well as leaders from the First Nations, and other not-for-profits.

The group’s goal is to ensure that British Columbia’s economic response to COVID-19 benefits all residents.

• See also: 
  • Why BC doesn’t report all coronavirus cases by specific community
  • More than 1,500 people have recovered from coronavirus in Canada
  • 2 employees with TransLink’s bus services test positive for coronavirus

Premier John Horgan said the task force allows the provincial government to be in contact with community leaders and to “plan for long-term economic recovery after the crisis has passed.”

“COVID-19 is not only a public-health challenge, but also an economic one. People and businesses urgently need support,” said Premier John Horgan. “We will be there to protect people’s health and give immediate relief during the crisis.”

Carole James, Minister of Finance, and Michelle Mungall, Minister of Jobs, Economic Development, and Competitiveness, are also on the force.

In addition to other ministers, the Business Council of BC, the BC Chamber of Commerce, the Vancouver Board of Trade, the Surrey Board of Trade, and the BC Federation of Labour will also be represented, alongside First Nations organizations and the not-for-profit sector.

Child care, supporting essential workers, safe workplace operations, and businesses reopening after the coronavirus pandemic are some of the issues at hand.

The task force will hold weekly conference calls and will look to ensure that provincial programs reach their intended targets, as well as work to complement federal programs.

“COVID-19 is a huge challenge, but British Columbians can be assured their government has their back – and together we will get through this,” Horgan said.