The Board of Directors of the Yorkton Chamber of Commerce is cautiously optimistic following Premier Moe鈥檚 announcement today about the first phase of the province鈥檚 plan to re-open its economy.
President Mike Stackhouse indicated the Chamber is pleased Saskatchewan is leading the country in taking the first steps to bringing normalcy back to the lives of the province鈥檚 residents by beginning to open some businesses.聽 鈥淏usinesses have sacrificed in order to collaborate and comply with measures put in place by the Saskatchewan Health Authority,鈥� he said.聽聽 鈥淭he low number of cases of the novel virus and the large number of recoveries demonstrates our methods have been working鈥�.
As to the scope of the businesses being allowed to open, the Chamber would have preferred more types of businesses included in the list.聽 鈥淢any of the business types given the green light to be the first to open, by their nature, require close contact.聽 Other business types which also involve close contact between the customer and service provider will be delayed in opening,鈥� said Stackhouse.聽 鈥淥thers such as fitness centres, which many patrons claim contribute to their mental health, will not be open until Phase 3.鈥�
Stackhouse also indicated members have been pointing out cases where it appears the local, small businesses have been put at a disadvantage.聽 Many of the large retailers have been allowed to stay open because they sell groceries and yet that have been allowed to continue to sell items such as clothing, shoes and kitchen wares while the small businesses selling those items have been closed. 鈥淭here is an element of unfairness in this,鈥澛� he said.
The Yorkton Chamber fully supports the Shop Local initiative.聽 鈥淥ur local retailers and service providers, especially the small, locally owned businesses need you and me now more than ever鈥�, he said.聽 鈥淭he owners are your neighbours and friends.聽 They employ your family and friends.聽 And they generously give back to the community.鈥�
The Yorkton Chamber will continue to monitor the re-opening of the local economy.聽 The Directors and staff encourage everyone to continue to practice proper hygiene as recommended by health officials
