Regina chamber CEO happy to see Sask. plan to reopen businesses

There appears to finally be some light at the end of the tunnel for businesses in Saskatchewan.

Regina and District Chamber of Commerce CEO John Hopkins said the restrictions due to COVID-19 have been tough for small businesses in the Queen City.

“Everyone’s very, very concerned. This is the one of most challenging times we’ve ever seen by far and there’s a lot of concern out there, but at least we have a plan now,” Hopkins told the Greg Morgan Morning Show on Friday.

“Will we see some (business) foreclosures down the road? Most likely we will.”

The Re-Open Saskatchewan plan unveiled Thursday has five phases to it, with the first to begin on May 4 with medical services such as dentists resuming business. Golf courses are to open on May 15.

The second phase is going to have an effect on many businesses in the province, with retail locations and personal services such as barbershops being able to open their doors with social-distancing restrictions in place.

Hopkins said he has talked to a few people in the Regina business community since the announcement was made.

“They’re happy that things are starting to move. The big thing is that there is a plan that they can count on and sort of work towards at least for the first couple of stages,” Hopkins said.

Hopkins said there have been a lot of federal and provincial programs, as well as tax deferrals by the City of Regina, that have helped businesses during this time.

As more and more businesses hope to open their doors soon, Hopkins is happy to see the province is starting to work towards getting the economy going again.

“The great thing here is that we have a plan unlike every other province in the country,” Hopkins said. “A lot of people want to get back to work and a lot of businesses want to open. It’s going to be done over time and it needs to be done safely and we need to make sure people practise (social distancing) and be diligent to ensure the virus doesn’t spread.”