Yellowknife — November 2, 2020
Northwest Territories business leaders and the Government of the Northwest Territories are working together to safeguard the territory’s economy from the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic while maintaining a protective public health response.
As the GNWT prepared for the inevitable arrival of COVID-19, the swift mobilization of its pandemic services limited the number of cases, and prevented loss-of-life.
Today, the territory is in a position to look forward while others are tightening up in part because of these measures.
Under certain conditions, nearly all businesses and organizations are now in operation, and the territory is forecast to recover to 90% of 2019 employment levels by the end of the year.
However, there remain significant challenges to certain industries, including tourism.
The Business Advisory Council and the COVID-19 Coordinating Secretariat are working together to address remaining challenges, implement coordinated steps to weather the next peak of the pandemic, and pave the path towards recovery through the fall peak of COVID-19 in Canada.
With regular meetings and collaboration, both groups are working on creative solutions to support business and address gaps which will assist sectors of the economy which continue to struggle.
The experience, talent, and resources of the NWT’s private sector will support and inform the GNWT’s decision-making as the government works to improve pandemic services to better serve residents and businesses, and continue to push back against the virus.
Both the GNWT and the Business Advisory Council agree the health and well-being of all communities and residents is best served by maintaining a stable economic environment.
This will be achieved with continued strong public health response, enhanced pandemic services delivered by the COVID Coordinating Secretariat, and the collective efforts of the private sector to adapt and respond to the COVID-19 pandemic.
QUOTES:
“The establishment of the COVID Secretariat has increased the ability for meaningful engagement with businesses. A coordinated response to the pandemic includes economic stability and we recognize the importance of both maintaining the financial viability of our businesses, and protecting the health of residents.”
– Caroline Cochrane, Premier of the Northwest Territories
“As we continue to recover our economy from the COVID-19 pandemic, we will work with the Business Advisory Council to identify needed actions and investments. By applying the invaluable experience and insight of the NWT’s private sector to our decision making, I’m confident that we can move forward and emerge from this crisis to revitalize, strengthen and grow our economy into the future.”
-Caroline Wawzonek, Minister of Industry, Tourism and Investment
“With the hard work that the GNWT, the business community and the residents of the NWT have put in over the last six months we are optimistic that the territory will not have to go back to the restrictions required during Phase I of Emerging Wisely. The Business Advisory Council will continue to work with the COVID Secretariat and will be vigilant in monitoring its efforts to achieve the objectives of greater transparency, efficiency and cost reductions."
-Jenni Bruce and Paul Gruner, Co-Chairs, Business Advisory Council
Quick facts
· The Business Advisory Council is an advisory body designed to advise the GNWT on economic response to COVID-19 directly from the business community.
· The Business Advisory Council is made up of 16 different organizations representing the interests of businesses in the NWT.
· With an increase in number of COVID 19 cases across Canada, employers should ensure they have updated Exposure Control Plans to protect their workers and clients.
Relevant links
For More Information, Contact:
Mike Westwick
Manager, Communications
COVID Secretariat
Health and Social Services
Jenni Bruce
Co-Chair, Business Advisory Council
jbruce@rentmidwestcom
Paul Gruner
Co-Chair, Business Advisory Council