COVID-19 has dramatically affected businesses and communities across the Lower Mainland and the province and there are more challenges on the horizon according to the latest results from the province wide Pulse Check survey completed in collaboration with the BC Chamber’s MindReader platform and with the assistance of the Mustel Group. The results from the Lower Mainland region are in close alignment with provincial averages and include:

• There is need for continued and measured support as 68% of businesses surveyed are using some form of government support.
• 34% of respondents who have employees on temporary layoff expect to have no choice but to sever those relationships once the extended layoff period ends at the end of August (with businesses prepared to provide severance/working notice as is required).
• 69% of respondents say once government support ends, they will be forced to permanently lay off staff or significantly reduce hours if they want to have any hope of remaining sustainable over the next year or so.
• Of all government efforts, by far the most helpful program is the wage subsidy program. A very small number of businesses are accessing other programs (i.e. Commercial Rent Subsidy Program) or see them as helpful.
• Businesses are not particularly confident that when the province launches a recovery/rebuilding plan, the provincial government's plan will help their business succeed through the COVID period. Only 12% are confident, compared to 46% that are not confident that the plan will help them succeed.
• On the positive side, 41% have increased their digital or e-commerce presence, and small groups have introduced new products or services (15%), advanced new marketing projects (11%) or advanced new research and development (7%).
• Businesses say the most important components of the BC recovery plan are providing payroll or wage supports and reducing taxes and fees. Cutting red tape, creating better investment conditions, providing direct cash flow support, and making regulations more efficient are other notable suggestions.
• Employers are still facing challenges getting employees to come back to work either because they are taking advantage of CERB or they still don’t feel safe coming back to work even if all safety guidelines and protocols are in place.

The Greater Langley Chamber has been extremely active over the last number of months to ensure the business community, not only in Langley but across the Metro Vancouver and Fraser Valley have the resources they need.

The Chamber has been working with our networks at the local, provincial and federally to provide timely updates to programs and services and to make sure that your voice is heard at all levels of government.

For further details on this and other information about your Chamber at work please go to our website at www.langleychamber.com.