A survey is live asking for feedback on Build Back Victoria, which allowed for new commercial activities such as temporary patios, business in parks and street closures.

“This medication option will provide a life-saving alternative to the contaminated drug supply that is driving our drug poisoning crisis,” Dr. Richard Stanwick, Chief Medical Health Officer for Island Health said in a news release. “The recent increase in overdose deaths in communities within Island Health shows a clear need for better access to a safer drug supply.”

This crisis affects all corners of society, and we know safe communities are fundamental for all of us to be able to function well at work and at home.

Businesses need to plan for their future, regardless of their sector, and it shouldn’t be up to industry associations to get clarity on rules as it was this week ahead of Super Bowl Sunday.

The Chamber will continue to work with the provincial government to ensure better transparency around public health restrictions that affect business operations.

“We’ve heard from Dr. Henry that businesses are doing the right thing and have not been problematic,” Chamber CEO Bruce Williams says. “We need to work together with government to make sure businesses can do the type of long-range planning they need to stay viable and get through this pandemic.”

Wilson has asked the province for help ensuring its essential service could continue.

“There is a similar subsidy model in place to ensure public safety along the Highway of Tears in Northern BC,” said John Wilson, President and CEO of Wilson’s Group of Companies in a news release. “We know how important our services are to island First Nations and other communities and we also know the devastating effects the loss of a service like ours can have.”

The Times Colonist reports that Transportation Minister Rob Fleming acknowledged, in a statement, that some inter-city bus providers, like other businesses, are struggling. “I recognize how dire the situation is, and am fully committed to working with this sector in the recovery from pandemic-induced financial challenges.”

According to the latest industry statistics from Chemistry Consulting, the number of buses using BC Ferries was down almost 90% in 2020 from 2019. The situation is also dire for accommodation providers who saw revenue per available room drop by almost $85 per night in 2020 compared to the year before.

Wilson’s has also started an online petition to try and collect as many signatures as possible to show support for keeping the service. Sign the petition here: https://www.change.org/SaveTofinoBus