Advocacy in Action with MP Patrick Weiler

This week the Whistler Chamber held a virtual roundtable discussion with a small group of Members, and we were joined by Patrick Weiler, MP for West Vancouver – Sunshine Coast – Sea to Sky Country. The intention of this meeting was to provide our MP with a full understanding of what’s happening for Whistler businesses, in specific industries. This also provided a platform to help inform what the federal government can do to improve the programs already available, and log any additional support needed to sustain and improve the outlook for our business community.

Sectors represented at the meeting were: Construction & Trades, Restaurants, Retail, Not-For-Profit, Accommodation, Transportation and Solopreneurs.

Our MP began with an update for the group, covering topics such as clarifying CERB outlines to make rehiring easier, extending the wage subsidy, rent relief solutions and work permits. Another important topic was the Business Resilience Service, which offers free advice for small businesses from accountants and specialists.

MP Patrick Weiler’s key takeaways:

• Extension of CEWS beyond August 31
• Revisit a qualification for CERB to get more people back to work
• Revisit how CECRA can be accessed by businesses whose landlords do not qualify or who won’t apply
• Risk Insurance for businesses in particular in the tourism industry around Reimbursements for C-19 re opening costs
• Communication around safe inter provincial tourism
• Programs with a Longer term vision to allow businesses the ability for longer term planning
• Labour issues – with Canadian first, the need for access to TFW and Immigration is still necessary and needs to continue

This meeting will occur again in 4 weeks with the same group, as we work to progress these issues further.