July 9 | 2020
NEWS FROM OTTAWA
Federal Government Releases Economic Snapshot: Includes $343 Billion Deficit
Yesterday the Government of Canada released its economic snapshot - a picture of the federal spending to date this year, amid the pandemic. The snapshot includes a projected deficit this year of $343 billion and a debt-to-GDP ratio of 49.1%. 

Following the release, Canadian Chamber President and CEO, Perrin Beatty, noted, the projected a deficit will undermine Canada’s fiscal capacity for decades. He added, the lockdowns were an appropriate response to a threat that no-one fully understood at the time, and the Federal government’s crisis response provided urgently-needed assistance to Canadian workers and businesses. But as Wednesday’s snapshot demonstrates, these measures have come at an enormous price. Beatty added that it is now time for Canada to transition from a subsidy-based crisis response toward restoring economic growth. 
ON THE LOCAL FRONT
Kelowna Chamber 115th AGM today at Noon
The Kelowna Chamber was founded in 1906 and for the first time in its history, its Annual General Meeting with be held virtually. This is a member only event and a great chance to get a glimpse of the Chamber's successes and challenges in 2019. It will be the final meeting that Past President Nikki Csek will Chair. Incoming President Jeffrey Robinson will be sworn in by Mayor Colin Basran. The Chamber's Annual Volunteer Awards will also been announced (and we'll also have a special prize for a few lucky attendees).

If you are a Kelowna Chamber member and haven't registered yet just send a quick email to: communications@kelownachamber.org
The Information You Need - Right at Your Fingertips
We have rolled up our sleeves over the last couple of months to get you the information you need to navigate the challenges from COVID-19. We have provided expert information on a variety of topics including human resources, labor law, managing a remote workforce and of course safety planning.

We've also created one place where you can find all of this information. This pandemic has challenged all of us but if we continue to demonstrate the resiliency that has allowed us to become one of the fastest growing regions in the country, we will be able to say despite the challenges, we got this!
PAID ADVERTISEMENT
Re-purposed Public Space Aims to Help Businesses Downtown
Restricted vehicle access on Bernard is in place over the next two months until September 8. Making the most of this new pedestrian-only walkway, many downtown restaurants and retailers have now expanded their patios & merchandise onto sidewalks, parking spaces and the street. The Chamber sees this as a positive move by the City and believes this type of thinking should apply across the community as businesses in every part of the city need help given the challenges of being sustainable in light of COVID-19.
Tourism Kelowna is Ready for Summer (Once it finally arrives)
Tourism Kelowna has launched an advertising campaign to let travelers know Kelowna is ready to welcome back visitors. They have put together a  Kelowna Is Ready Toolkit  which includes complimentary images and videos for your business to use. Tourism Kelowna has also developed a responsible travel messaging program that you can review and share .  
Your Feedback is Critical: Latest Business 'Pulse Check' is LIVE
We’re still listening.

Throughout the past few months we have partnered with the BC Chamber in conducting periodic 'pulse check' surveys to find out how businesses are faring in the age of COVID-19.

Your feedback in this survey is critical to providing insight to the government on the most pressing challenges you are experiencing, and will inform ongoing recommendations we continue to make to government. It should only take 5 to 7 minutes to complete . This survey closes Monday July 13.
ON THE FEDERAL FRONT
Phase 2 of COVID-19 Emergency Support Fund For Cultural, Heritage And Sport Organizations Announced 
The Government of Canada has announced the details regarding Phase 2 of the disbursement of the $500-million fund, announced earlier this year. This final component helps address some of the gaps that have been identified by the industry across Canada since the fund was first implemented.
New Investment in Prioritizing Mental Health During COVID-19 Pandemic
Bell Let's Talk and the Canadian Red Cross today announced a $700,000 investment to help support the mental wellbeing of Canadians during COVID-19 with a significant expansion of the Friendly Calls program in communities with increased demand for mental health services. Volunteers will be able to add up to 8,000 new Friendly Calls each month, helping to provide comfort and assistance, emotional support, guidance, and referrals for vulnerable people in times of crisis.
A COUPLE OF UPCOMING WEBINARS TO NOTE
Summer of Support: Six Weeks of Free Digital Marketing Education with Facebook
Facebook has launched a free six-week initiative called Summer of Support. Join them for digital training classes, insightful interviews with business experts, and presentations from renowned entrepreneurs—all to help businesses succeed in the digital economy.

Each week focuses on a different theme and highlights different speakers, such as basketball legend and entrepreneur Magic Johnson, as well as Chairman of O'Shares Investments and television personality Kevin O’Leary.
Building Business Resilience: #PathToGrowth LIVE Featuring Arlene Dickinson
Join Salesforce on Thursday July 16 at 10:00am to learn how some of the greatest innovators in the country are taking on today’s digital imperative and using technology to pivot, respond, reopen and re-imagine business, ready to meet the challenges of today and thrive tomorrow.

The event is hosted by Amber Mac, and features Canadian businesswoman Arlene Dickinson along with a panel of notable innovators and business leaders.
Need to add someone else in your organization to our mailing list? Email us.
KELOWNA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE | kelownachamber.org