Business groups across Canada call for a plan to reopen the economy
Dear Prime Minister,
We are writing to you at a turning point in our country’s fight against COVID-19. By mid-summer, if not sooner, some three quarters of Canadian adults will be at least partially vaccinated, and one in five will be fully vaccinated. When that scenario is reached, federal modelling suggests, it should be possible to begin relaxing restrictive measures.
As the light at the end of the tunnel grows brighter, Canadians will be looking to their leaders for transparency, guidance and a clear plan.
The recent report of your government’s Industry Strategy Council emphasized that a successful economic restart hinges on high levels of public confidence about the road ahead. “Measures that can increase predictability,” the Council said, “are among the most powerful policy tools to enable stable recovery with no setbacks.”
Other jurisdictions have paved the route for us to follow. In February, the United Kingdom unveiled a four-stage “roadmap out of lockdown”, with clear guidelines to mark the journey back to a more normal life. For example, in “Step 3”, most businesses in all but the highest risk sectors are allowed to reopen while adhering to public health guidelines.
The European Union is currently developing a travel certificate that would replace the existing patchwork of country-specific travel regulations among its 27 member nations. Incorporating simple digital technology, the certificate is intended to make it easier for people to cross borders this summer as long as they can show proof of vaccination or a negative test result.
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control has issued guidance for those who are fully vaccinated. It outlines which activities are now considered safe, including domestic travel without the need for testing or quarantine.
Here at home, Saskatchewan recently unveiled a three-step “Re-Opening Roadmap” that clearly links the lifting of restrictions to vaccination milestones. For example, once 70 per cent of those 30 and older have received one dose, 150 people will be permitted to gather in public indoor settings, provided they adhere to physical distancing and masking guidelines.
All of these plans are cautious and tied to clear indicators of a reduction of infection in communities. They underscore the importance of vaccination and compliance with public health measures. But they also provide much-needed assurance that there is a thoughtful plan for a return to a more normal life.
On Friday, the Public Health Agency of Canada provided a snapshot of what life could look like after more people are vaccinated. That is an encouraging first step, but much more detail is needed.
We urge you to work closely with the premiers to develop a clear and consistent pan-Canadian approach to reopening our communities, schools and businesses.
Canadians also want to know when it will be safe to travel again to see friends and loved ones. To avoid rising levels of confusion and frustration, your government should collaborate with officials in the United States and other countries in setting benchmarks that would enable the easing of border restrictions and travel quarantines.
A clear and predictable plan for a gradual and safe return to a more normal life would instill public confidence while demonstrating concern for the physical, mental and economic health of Canadians. As business and community leaders we stand ready to work with you to ensure a safe and sustainable recovery.
Sincerely,
Denise Allen
President & CEO
Food Processors of Canada
Hon. Perrin Beatty, P.C., O.C.
President & CEO
Canadian Chamber of Commerce
Karl Blackburn
President & CEO
Quebec Employers Council
Marc Brazeau
President & CEO
Railway Association of Canada
Diane J. Brisebois
President & CEO
Retail Council of Canada
Tabatha Bull
President & CEO
Canadian Council for Aboriginal Business
Paul Burns
President & CEO
Canadian Gaming Association
Bruce Burrows
President & CEO
Chamber of Marine Commerce
Luke Chapman
President & CEO
Beer Canada
Catherine Cobden
President & CEO
Canadian Steel Producers Association
Renée Comeau
Executive Director
Northwest Territories Chamber of Commerce
Dennis A. Darby
President & CEO
Canadian Manufacturers & Exporters
Chuck Davidson
President & CEO
Manitoba Chambers of Commerce
Greg D’Avignon
President & CEO
Business Council of BC
Jim Facette
Executive Director & CEO
Canada’s Accredited Zoos and Aquariums
Fiona Famulak
President & CEO
British Columbia Chamber of Commerce
Don Forgeron
President & CEO
Insurance Bureau of Canada
Pamela Fralick
President
Innovative Medicines Canada
Robert Ghiz
President & CEO
Canadian Wireless Telecommunications Association
Daniel-Robert Gooch
President
Canadian Airports Council
Michael Graydon
Chief Executive Officer
Food, Health & Consumer Products of Canada
Susie Grynol
President & CEO
Hotel Association of Canada
Eleonore Hamm
President
Recreation Vehicle Dealers Association of Canada
Goldy Hyder
President & CEO
Business Council of Canada
Dan Kelly
President & CEO
Canadian Federation of Independent Business
Scott Knox
President & CEO
Institute of Communication Agencies
Denny Kobayashi
Acting President
Yukon Chamber of Commerce
Ken Kobly
President & CEO
Alberta Chamber of Commerce
Alex LeBlanc
President & CEO
New Brunswick Business Council
Guy Legault
President & CEO
Conference for Advanced Life Underwriting
Adam Legge
President
Business Council of Alberta
Jim MacEachern
Executive Director
Kitikmeot Chamber of Commerce
Bob Masterson
President & CEO
Chemistry Industry Association of Canada
Gerard McDonald
CEO
Engineers Canada
Steve McLellan
Chief Executive Officer
Saskatchewan Chamber of Commerce
Michael McNaney
President & CEO
National Airlines Council of Canada
Sherry McNeil
President & CEO
Canadian Franchise Association
Charles Milliard
President & CEO
Fédération des chambres de commerce du Québec
Dan Moore
Director, Government and Industry Relations
Canadian Transportation Equipment Association
Angela Moundou
President & CEO
TechNation Canada
Anthony Norejko
President & CEO
Canadian Business Aviation Association
Dan Paszkowski
President & CEO
Winegrowers Canada
Pierre Petelle
President & CEO
CropLife Canada
Beth Potter
President & CEO
Tourism Industry Association of Canada
Susan Powell
President & CEO
Canadian Food Exporters Association
Bruce Rodgers
Executive Director
Canadian International Freight Forwarders Association
Rocco Rossi
President & CEO
Ontario Chamber of Commerce
Michael Rothe
President & CEO
Canadian Finance and Leasing Association
Darrell Schuurman
Co-Founder and CEO
Canada’s LGBT+ Chamber of Commerce
Tim Shearman
President & CEO
Canadian Automobile Association
Sheri Somerville
President & CEO
Atlantic Chamber of Commerce
Bram Strain
President & CEO
Business Council of Manitoba
Kathleen Sullivan
CEO
Food and Beverage Canada
Patrick Tagoona
President
Kivalliq Chamber of Commerce
Peter Tzanetakis
President
Canadian Payroll Association
Mary Van Buren
President
Canadian Construction Association
Sarah Watts-Rynard
CEO
Polytechnics Canada
Chris West
Executive Director
Baffin Regional Chamber of Commerce
Jan Westcott
President & CEO
Spirits Canada
Chris White
President & CEO
Canadian Meat Council
Nancy Wilson
CEO
Canadian Women’s Chamber of Commerce
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