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Dear Gibsons Chamber Members and all other businesses on the Sunshine Coast.  With the current health crisis that we are all experiencing please consider what you can do while your business is dramatically interrupted.  Here is a program called Operation Protect whereby each and every business and individual can contribute to getting through this challenging time. 
Please view and see how we all can help. 
Operation Protect - Helping Health Care Workers Help Us
What is Operation Protect?
We’re urgently asking individuals and organizations to donate any spare personal protective equipment. This includes examination gloves, surgical masks, protective gowns, eye protection, hand sanitizer, and medical-grade disinfectant wipes.
We’re working with BC’s Ministry of Health to distribute these supplies to health care workers across the province, including those in hospitals, long-term care, home care, community health support, and assisted living facilities.

Why are supplies needed?
COVID-19 has led to a severe shortage of protective equipment for health care workers. They need this equipment to protect themselves and provide safe, quality care. Without it, they’re at higher risk of injury or illness. These workers are on the front line of the COVID-19 pandemic, and they need our support today.

What supplies are needed?
  • N95 masks (approved by the FDA, NIOSH, or CSA)
  • Surgical masks (approved by the FDA)
  • Exam gloves
  • Hand sanitizer (60% alcohol or higher)
  • Medical-grade disinfection wipes
  • Protective gowns
  • Eye protection (glasses, goggles, and face shields)


Learn more at: www.safecarebc.ca/operationprotect
Results from the Business Impact Survey

The BC Government announced a COVID-19 Action Plan, which includes $5 billion allocated for programs that support businesses, workers, and economic recovery.

This announcement was directly informed by the COVID-19 Business Impact Survey conducted by our BC chamber network and partners, which ran from March 13-18. 

Businesses said they need immediate relief and flexibility on tax remittance, specifically the EHT and PST. The government recently promised deferred payments on these taxes, and many others, until September 30th, 2020. We also shared with government that property tax relief would be helpful for businesses right now, and they responded by cutting the provincial school tax on property in half for commercial and industrial businesses in Class 4, 5 and 6.

The BC Government also announced further wage replacement programs, as our network requested, including a tax-free, one-time payment of $1,000 to those whose ability to work has been affected by the outbreak. This benefit will be aligned with the enhanced EI eligibility put forward by the federal government.

While this isn’t yet a panacea to the crisis our members face – today’s announcement will help you work through your business continuity and contingency plans. We know you’re eager to gain more clarity on how to access these initiatives, and the province will be providing more details in the days to come.

Premier Horgan said that these announcements are “just the beginning,” so it’s imperative you keep using your voice. Sign up for BCMindReader.com to participate in future surveys. We’ll be using this platform to continue to ask what you need, so we can advocate to government on your behalf. 

The BC Chamber of Commerce has created a page of resources for businesses affected by COVID-19. We’ll continue to update you as new resources and supports are added.

You’re not in this alone.

Canada’s COVID-19 Economic Response Plan: Support for Canadians and Businesses
 
The Government of Canada is taking immediate, significant and decisive action to help Canadians facing hardship as a result of the COVID-19 outbreak. CLICK THIS LINK or one of the links below, to find support for your business such as:
 
We Want to Spread the Word About Your Business 
 
Is your business still operating on the Sunshine Coast during the
COVID-19 pandemic? We are making a directory on our Facebook page and our Website for businesses who are offering online services - such as online shopping, groceries, classes, etc; restaurants offering take-out, those who are offering delivery and pick-up, and any other business who is keeping their social distance while still offering services to the community. 

Please send an e-mail to Chris at exec@gibsonschamber.com with: 
  • Your Business Name 
  • The type of services you are offering (ex. online services / shopping, delivery, pick-up, take-out, etc.)
  • How customers can contact you (ex. phone, email, Facebook page, Instagram handle, etc.)
  • The hours you are open (if applicable) 
  • And anything else you think would be important for the chamber members and your customers to know
We will update you on Social Media and the upcoming Chamber News when this directory is up and running. 
We want to hear from you!
How can we help you during this time? Do you have questions, comments, or concerns about what you've seen in our recent communications? We'd like to hear from you. Please reach out to us at by replying to this email, and the Executive Director will respond as soon as possible. 
We have an Instagram account where we will feature our members, events & more! Use #gibsonschamber to be featured!
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Our mailing address is:
Gibsons & District Chamber of Commerce
P.O. Box 1190
Gibsons, BC V0N 1V0
Canada

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