Vaughan businesses answer the call of duty during COVID-19 pandemic
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Mayor Bevilacqua connects with local business owners
through virtual townhall meetings
The following statement was issued by Vaughan
Mayor Maurizio Bevilacqua following a virtual townhall meeting hosted by the
Vaughan Chamber of Commerce:
“Today, I joined
my colleagues Minister Deb Schulte and Minister Stephen Lecce as well as
members of Vaughan’s diverse business community, in a virtual townhall meeting
hosted by the Vaughan Chamber of Commerce. The event was an opportunity for
each of us to outline our respective municipal, provincial and federal responses
to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
“This is the
second of three scheduled virtual townhall meetings organized by the Vaughan
Chamber of Commerce. Last week, I was joined by Minister Michael Tibollo and MP
Francesco Sorbara and next week I look forward to participating alongside MP
Peter Kent and MPP Gila Martow.
“Now, more than
ever, it is important that we continue to engage, collaborate and communicate
with all levels of government, stakeholders and our communities. During today’s
virtual townhall, we heard from members of Vaughan’s business community who shared
their individual experiences and concerns. Our discussion was informative and
candid.
“Companies and
business owners are seeking clarity and guidance. Their challenges and concerns
are top of mind for us. These virtual townhall meetings allow for three levels
of government - federal, provincial and municipal - to outline our immediate
and ongoing response as well as provide details about programs that have been
introduced to support companies and their employees.
“This forum is
yet another opportunity to engage business owners to provide timely and
relevant information. There is a strong spirit of co-operation, communication
and collaboration among all governments, which remains critical as we continue
to plan for the immediate future and the road ahead.
“Vaughan
is home to 12,000 businesses, many of which are stepping up to combat COVID-19.
The Woodbridge Group has begun making respirator masks, which are in desperate
need at provincial hospitals. Auto parts manufacturer Martinrea International has
offered to shift 400 workers to a dedicated ventilator production line. Magnotta
Winery and Last Straw Distillery have adjusted their production of beer, wine
and spirits and are now producing much-needed hand sanitizer. These are only a
few of the businesses in our city that have answered the call of duty and are doing
their part to allow essential services to continue across the country. We
have a strong community of businesses here in Vaughan that continue to give of
themselves in a generous and meaningful way.
“The City of Vaughan is closely monitoring the situation and
will continue to offer business retention, expansion and attraction services to
local business owners. Vaughan entrepreneurs can access tools and online resources
at vaughan.ca/business.
“I want to thank the Vaughan Chamber of Commerce for
their ongoing efforts to support and engage Vaughan’s business community.
“My
message remains unequivocal. We are all in this together and we will emerge
stronger.”
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LEARN MORE
- Vaughan Chamber of Commerce Virtual Townhall meeting video
- Emerge stronger: Mayor Bevilacqua’s address at the March 17 special Council meeting
- City launches Vaughan Business Action Plan statement
- City waives late penalty charge on interim property tax bills news release
- Should you feel unwell and if you believe you have symptoms related to COVID-19, please contact York Region Public Health or Telehealth Ontario at 1-866-797-0000. For additional information on COVID-19, visit York Region's website at york.ca/COVID19.