Chamber seeks provincial support for local businesses

The financial effects of COVID-19 on local business has prompted the Greater Vernon Chamber of Commerce to ask for provincial support.

In a letter to Labour Minister Harry Bains, the chamber leadership asked the government to amend the Employment Standards Act to allow a further extension to the period employees can be laid off before they are considered terminated.

“Presently, many businesses — primarily in the accommodations and tourism sectors — have been unable to reopen and bring their employees back,” Krystin Kempton, Greater Vernon Chamber president, said. “If those layoffs transform into terminations, employers will be left with significant severance costs and some businesses may be forced into bankruptcy or will close permanently.”

Kempton warned job terminations could mean that when employers eventually reopen they will be unable to recalled skilled and experienced team members.