Supporting Small Independent Businesses in BC

Support Local BC was an initiative brought on out of necessity in 2020 due to the closures of many businesses in response to the Provincial Health Orders to stop the rapid spread of COVID-19.  The website provides a place for communities and businesses throughout the province to support each other. Connecting all regions with its…

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CDC Report on Rural Communities & Covid

While there are many distinct differences between the circumstances of rural Canadians and Americans, this overview from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control & Prevention contains some useful information for rural British Columbians.   About 46 million Americans live in rural areas, which face distinctive challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic. Long-standing systemic health and social…

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Grants for BC Small Businesses — a conversation with Minister Ravi Kahlon

Ravi Kahlon

The Hon. Ravi Kahlon, British Columbia’s Minister of Jobs, Economic Recovery, and Innovation, chatted with BC Rural Centre Communications Director Randy Morse recently. The conversation focused on Covid-19, its impact on small and medium-sized businesses, and steps the BC Government is taking to help those most affected, cope. The Covid-19 pandemic has had a significant…

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Policy Implications of Coronavirus Crisis for Rural Development

This OECD (Organization for Economic Cooperation & Development) report focuses on the implications of COVID-19 on rural development and the policy responses that OECD member countries are adopting. It first discusses the economic effects on rural regions followed by an identification of opportunities and associated challenges. The report then summarizes how governments are responding to…

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BC COVID-19 Update, September 3, 2020

bc covid-19 update

Dr. Bonnie Henry, British Columbia’s provincial health officer, and Health Minister Adrian Dix provide an update on the province’s response to the COVID-19 (coronavirus disease) pandemic.

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Rural Coloradans Step Up to Help Their Community

According to a recent article in the Colorado Sun, when state-mandated shutdowns of restaurants and other businesses deemed non-essential began, residents of rural Phillips County in eastern Colorado knew they had to figure out a way to help make sure that when the restrictions lifted, their favorite local establishments were still around. Responding to calls…

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News for Rural Employers re. CEWS Expansion & Extension

The BC Rural Centre has just received this letter from Kirsten Mattison, Canada’s new Director General for Rural Economic Development. It includes potentially important information for rural employers and their employees.   Good morning, As the new Director General of the Centre for Rural Economic Development supporting the Honourable Maryam Monsef, Minister for Women and…

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No plan to reopen B.C. schools yet, says education minister

This report was posted by CBC News on Apr 28, 2020 An empty classroom at Magee Secondary School in Vancouver. (Jonathan Hayward/The Canadian Press)   Although some jurisdictions have announced plans to reopen schools, B.C. isn’t ready to join them just yet, according to the education minister. In a teleconference Tuesday, Rob Fleming said the province is…

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