Regional municipalities will be working together to help lessen the blow of the COVID-19 pandemic on the economy.
Rise Up SJ is a model agreed on by the mayors of Saint John and its surrounding areas.
Paulette Hicks is Chair of the Advisory Council on Economic Development, and she says the hope is by working together, municipalities will coordinate action for the entire region.
“It really is about bringing our community together. From Grand Bay to Hampton, it’s businesses, citizens, not-for-profits, it’s the collective as a whole,” said Hicks.
While New Brunswick has already seen significant lay-offs across the province, Rise Up hopes to mitigate the negative economic impacts from getting worse, while also building up to prepare for a recovery once the pandemic is over.
“We want to make sure the networks are strong and people are talking, so they can get the information they need,” Hicks said. “Second, there is a recovery around how do we work together to recover as a region?”
Spotlights have been put on some sides of the non-profit sector in order to ensure food banks remain stocked and domestic violence shelters remain safe. However, Hicks says we need to remain vigilant to ensure other vulnerable populations aren’t forgotten.
“We want to ensure if there are funding opportunities that they go to the right places,” she said. “Just being aware of where people are at, or what risks are (there), so others can pitch in and help.”
Given physical distancing and stay-at-home advisories, municipalities are expecting significant economic impacts over the months to come. By bringing together these regional governments, the hope is that negative impact can be dulled and governments can prevent the bottom from falling out financially.
“The provincial government has certainly maintained and shown great leadership in the province, especially around public health,” Hicks said.
“I believe they will do the same for economic and social recovery as well.”
