COVID-19 message to members: Chamber update for April 28

Dear Members,

Today, Tuesday, April 28, the provincial government released its “Renew PEI Together” plan for easing PEI back to business and lessen restrictions. As your Chamber, we have been advocating consistently for the need for a plan that will provide clarity for the next steps in the process.

While the plan released today provides an overview of the Four Phases of easing-back to business, there are still many more details and questions to be answered for Island business owners. This is a key item we know you are concerned about, and as are we.

To ensure we are representing you, and you have an opportunity for your questions to be answered, we are:

• Hosting a Chamber Live webinar with Chief Public Health Officer, Dr. Heather Morrison, about easing-back to business and the “Renew PEI Together” document on Thursday, April 30 at 8 AM. Please register here and submit your questions to tchardy@insighttestsite.com by 2 PM, tomorrow, Wednesday, April 29. (Immediate questions can be answered by contacting provincial public health officials at 1-800-958-6400 or envhealth@ihis.org.)
• Are reaching out to government officials immediately to request more clarity and details as well as to bring forward your questions and concerns. To ensure we can represent you, and ask your questions please reach out to us directly at chamber@insighttestsite.com and let us know your thoughts.
• Have advocated for the provincial government to support local businesses to adapt to public health guidelines during this time of transition. We were pleased that the Minister of Economic Growth, Tourism & Culture, Matthew MacKay indicated to us by phone today that his department is working on a program to address businesses’ financial concerns regarding necessary adaption measures. He said they expect to have it released early next week. We will update you on the details of this program as further information becomes available.

Additional federal government details to note:

• Applications for the Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy are now open. Apply here.

As always, we are here for you. Please do not hesitate to reach out with any questions, comments, or concerns.