Chamber calls for more business input into COVID-19 restrictions

The Kelowna Chamber of Commerce wants to see better communication and more engagement with businesses when it comes to B.C.’s COVID-19 health orders and restrictions.

The business group issued a statement on Wednesday, saying governments, at all levels, need to better communicate the rationale for their decision-making as it is essential to maintaining public trust.

“A renewed commitment to engage those being impacted by restrictions is also needed so that specific sector by sector regulations can be put in place to allow businesses to safely continue to operate rather than imposing complete closures,” the statement read.

Tuesday’s announcement by Dr. Bonnie Henry allowed fitness facilities to reopen Thursday which came one day after the province changed a previous order that imposed what appeared to be an indefinite element to the order.

“That change caused short term shock waves in that sector, though it appears the change was only to give the province time to hold Tuesday’s news conference allowing for greater clarity,” the chamber stated.

Jeffrey Robinson, chair of the chamber’s board of directors, said by working with businesses in specific sectors, the province will create safer environments and greater buy-in from business leaders who clearly have had trouble understanding the recent decisions.

“We fully understand the province needs to take action to get a handle on the pandemic and our chamber appreciates the efforts and dedication demonstrated by health-care professionals,” said Robinson. “With that said though, government at all levels need to provide the public clear data that backs up why they are making the decisions they are making, unfortunately that hasn’t always been the case.”

The Greater Vernon Chamber of Commerce has similar concerns which it outlined to Vernon Matters on Tuesday.