On Friday Nov. 13, 34 Chambers of Commerce, associations and economic development groups co-signed an Open Letter to the People of Saskatchewan.聽 The Yorkton Chamber of Commerce was one of the signatories.
"The letter expressed support for the Government of Saskatchewan鈥檚 targeted approach to address rising cases of COVID-19 in localized hotspots," noted a local Chamber release.聽 "The letter also pointed out that a widespread, large-scale lockdown would be catastrophic to Saskatchewan jobs, Saskatchewan families and on the immediate survivability of Saskatchewan businesses.聽 The health, societal and economic harm would have lasting, irreversible impacts.
"The letter (below urges Saskatchewan residents to follow the guidelines and restrictions set forth by public health; and to support local businesses, especially as we enter the holiday season."
The Yorkton Chamber of Commerce is 鈥渢he voice of business in Yorkton鈥� and represents over 445 members. 2021 marks the Chamber鈥檚 123rd year.
AN OPEN LETTER TO THE PEOPLE OF SASKATCHEWAN
On behalf of the 34 undersigned associations, chambers of commerce, and economic development groups, as well as the tens of thousands of employers and employees we represent, we are jointly writing to express our strong support for the targeted approach the Government of Saskatchewan has taken to address rising case counts in localized 鈥榟otspots,鈥� including new mandatory mask requirements.
While we acknowledge some businesses will be significantly affected by today鈥檚 announcement, returning to a widespread, large-scale lockdown would be catastrophic to Saskatchewan jobs, Saskatchewan families, and on the immediate survivability of Saskatchewan businesses 鈥� even with new and extensive government intervention. The health, societal, and economic harm would have lasting, irreversible impacts.
We are calling on all Saskatchewan residents to follow the restrictions and guidelines set out by our public health experts. Do your part and be a good neighbour. We also support the proactive enforcement of these critical measures.
Last but not least: As we enter the holiday season, we ask Saskatchewan residents to support local businesses wherever possible. Many of these businesses are barely hanging on, and every little bit counts.
And above all else: Be kind to each other. We are all in this together.
Sincerely,
Alex Fallon, President & CEO, Saskatoon Regional Economic Development Authority
Ashley Campbell, Executive Director, Concrete Saskatchewan
Beverly MacLeod, Executive Director, Association of Consulting Engineering Companies 鈥� Saskatchewan
Brent Fitzpatrick, Executive Director, Humboldt & District Chamber of Commerce
Cameron Choquette, Executive Director, Saskatchewan Landlord Association
David MacLean, Vice President, Saskatchewan & Alberta, Canadian Manufacturers & Exporters
Derek Lothian, President & CEO, Insurance Brokers Association of Saskatchewan
Elise Hildebrandt, CEO, Prince Albert & District Chamber of Commerce
Eric Anderson, Executive Director, Saskatchewan Industrial & Mining Suppliers Association
Jackie Wall, Executive Director, Estevan Chamber of Commerce
Jaimie Malmgren, Executive Director, Prairie Sky Chamber of Commerce
Jason Aebig, CEO, Greater Saskatoon Chamber of Commerce
Jason Yochim, CEO, Saskatchewan REALTORS Association
Jim Bence, President & CEO, Saskatchewan Hotel & Hospitality Association
John Hopkins, CEO, Regina & District Chamber of Commerce
John Lee, CEO, Economic Development Regina
Juanita Polegi, Executive Director, Yorkton Chamber of Commerce
Karen Low, President, Merit Contractors Association of Saskatchewan
Karla Wiens, CEO, Swift Current & District Chamber of Commerce
Keith Moen, Executive Director, NSBA
Kevin Martin, Executive Director, Kindersley & District Chamber of Commerce
Linda Machniak, Executive Director, Battlefords Chamber of Commerce
Lisa Suchlandt, Executive Director, Nipawin & District Chamber of Commerce
Marilyn Braun-Pollon, Vice President, Western Canada & Agri-business, Canadian Federation of Independent Business
Mark Cooper, President & CEO, Saskatchewan Construction Association
Pam Schwann, President, Saskatchewan Mining Association
Prabha Mitchell, President & CEO, WESK 鈥� Women Entrepreneurs of Saskatchewan
Rob Clark, CEO, Moose Jaw & District Chamber of Commerce
Serena Sjodin, Executive Director, Lloydminster Chamber of Commerce
Steve McLellan, CEO, Saskatchewan Chamber of Commerce
Shantel Lipp, President, Saskatchewan Heavy Construction Association
Susan Ewart, President & CEO, Saskatchewan Trucking Association
Trevor Dignean, Administrator, Meadow Lake & District Chamber of Commerce
Twila Walkedan, Executive Director, Weyburn Chamber of Commerce
