The local Economic Development groups (EcDev), as well as your local Chamber of Commerce, are doing a great job of getting information out to the community. At this time most of the information is about the current situation. Business re-start is just in the planning stages and more information will come out in the next couple of weeks. We’re having weekly video meetings to discuss the issues. If you have comments, let me know.

For Business
This information includes how to access to any of the government programs, and how businesses might handle employees’ temporary layoffs or ‘termination’ (after 13 weeks of layoffs). Other questions such as are you allowed to check your employees temperatures etc.  

For Employees
Employees whose employers are asking them to work in unsafe situations can call 604.276.3100 (Lower Mainland) or toll-free 1.888.621.7233 (1.888.621.SAFE), Monday to Friday, 8:05 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

These are regional resources and everyone is working together. If one person doesn’t know the answer, they’ll be able to find who does have the answer. If you have questions on this or other business re-start questions, here are a couple of resources:

North Shuswap Chamber – info@NorthShuswapBC.ca
CSRD EcDev – Kyle Dearing – Kdearing@ShuswapEcDev.ca or 250-515-2029
Salmon Arm EcDev – 250 833 0608
Small Business BC Hotline – 1 833 254 4357