Editor:
Though we have been kept apart for the last few months, in many communities, the teamwork needed to handle this crisis and begin to restart our economy has brought us closer together.
Everyone is facing different challenge and solutions are not one-size-fits-all.
This goes for municipalities as well, as many are facing differing challenges to recovery based on their local economy.
Responding to the countless setbacks takes collaboration. That is why AdvantageHOPE has established an economic recovery committee to help determine the best path forward to support local businesses, non-profits, and residents in Hope.
The economic recovery committee connects members of the community, business owners, local officials and regional representatives.
This is the type of work needed for communities to come out of COVID-19.
Federal and provincial supports are beneficial, but there are still factors like safety, consumer confidence and community leadership that are sometimes best understood locally.
This is where a collaborative approach with varying voices comes into play and why I am pleased to be a part of this committee.
I continue to represent my constituents needs, share tools and resources that I receive in my collaboration with other regional recovery efforts, and will do my part to determine how best to advocate to the provincial government to address the specific needs of Hope’s business community and its recovery.
My BC Liberal colleagues and I have been providing policy suggestions and common sense solutions to government in order to supplement their recovery plan and will continue to do so as we return to legislative procedures in Victoria, though remotely, later this month.
It will take time for communities to bounce back, but with locals investing in their recovery, we can get through this together.
Jackie Tegart, MLA Fraser-Nicola