The Employers’ Council calls the current economic crisis a “very dire” situation for local business and immediate government action must be taken.

Executive Director Richard Alexander says many businesses will simply not survive after weeks of limited, or no revenue.

He agrees public health has to remain the top priority for government as it eases restrictions related to COVID-19, but the Employers Council is hoping to be part of ongoing discussions to better understand the approach being taken.

Alexander says the council’s call volume has increased three-fold in recent weeks from business owners who are anxious and looking for answers.

He’s heard “story after story after story” of owners who have put their lives into their businesses and are worried about their employees amid fears of having to close their doors permanently.

He says nine local business associations signed a joint letter to government about a month ago with eleven “low-cost, or no-cost” action items to help businesses.

“We can’t form a committee to decide which hose to use to put out a fire; we don’t have time for that” says Alexander. He says government is starting to move on some of the items put forward, but it’s been very slow going, and they need immediate action.