Chambers want better communication, detailed government plan on provincial reopening

Chambers of Commerce want a "predictable and coordinated effort" by Queen's Park in its plans to reopen the province's economy.

Ontario Chamber of Commerce (OCC) president Rocco Rossi penned a Feb. 2 letter to Premier Doug Ford asking a balanced approach that ensures businesses are prepared while safeguarding the health and well-being of Ontarians.

Ontario's chief medical officer of health has stated that virus rates must fall below 1,0000 cases a day before the province would consider reopening.

The OCC points out that each region's experience is different in transmission rates, tracking and tracing capacity.

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The OCC has forwarded some suggestions to the province on an anticipated reopening, including a step-by-step readiness plan for employers to prepare for reopening with advance notice given to businesses and employees to give them sufficient time to prepare to go back to work.

Among their recommendations, the chambers also want "fulsome communication" through virtual workshops in advance of the reopening to equip employers with practical information to keep everyone safe, as well as clear guidelines from government so that businesses "clearly understand" the rules and how they will be enforced.

Better "evidence-based decision making" with a "strong testing and tracing apparatus" would indicate to all how the virus is spreading and lead to better decisions on imposing restrictions, the chamber said.

“In the middle of a once-in-a-century pandemic, it is difficult to think beyond confronting the immediate demands of COVID-19,” said Charla Robinson, president of the Thunder Bay Chamber of Commerce in a statement.

“However, even as we continue supporting each other today, we must also begin looking ahead to ensure businesses are prepared for the province’s reopening and recovery. It is never too early to start planning how our province and economy can emerge stronger while doing everything necessary to avoid further lockdowns.”