When this year began, we had no idea what it would have in store for us. The COVID-19 pandemic has turned our lives upside down and presented challenges we could never have imagined just 12 months ago.
Many British Columbians have lost loved ones or became seriously ill, despite the heroic efforts of front-line health care workers. Others have found themselves suddenly out of work or with drastically reduced hours. And many businesses made the difficult decision to temporarily close their doors, doing their part to stop the spread of the virus.
While we will remember 2020 as a heartbreaking year of sacrifice, it is also leaving us with valuable lessons that will serve us well as we build towards a brighter future. More than anything else, it has reminded us how strong and resilient we are when we work together in common purpose.
We owe an enormous debt of gratitude to the essential service workers who were suddenly pressed into action on the frontlines of this battle.
In ways both big and small, all of us were called on to do our part, to stay apart, and to help those around us. British Columbians from all walks of life were equal to the task.
As we look back on the year that was, there are reasons to be optimistic about the one ahead. Already we can see signs of better days, as science leads the way with new treatments and vaccines.
Preparations are underway in B.C. to ensure that when a vaccine is available, it will be distributed as quickly, safely, and effectively as possible.
When COVID-19 hit, B.C. was an economic leader in Canada. We enjoyed strong growth, rising wages, unemployment that was among the lowest in Canada and a balanced budget.
While the pandemic has set us back, the Conference Board of Canada says we are poised to recover more quickly than other jurisdictions. And we already see positive signs: B.C. led the country with 33,500 new jobs in October and added another 23,900 in November.
These successes are due in part to co-operation between government and business throughout the pandemic.
For example, while other regions shut down construction sites during the early stages of pandemic, our government worked with the sector and with WorkSafeBC to keep workers on the job and projects moving ahead.
Operating guidelines from the agency helped many more businesses stay open and people at work – safely.
There is hope on the horizon, but the road to get there remains rocky.
British Columbia is battling a severe second wave of COVID-19 infections. In the last few months, we have seen an alarming increase in cases and people being admitted to hospital.
The number of British Columbians dying from the virus has been on the rise. People are worried about their lives and their livelihoods.
We must redouble our efforts to fight the pandemic.
Together, we flattened the curve last spring, and we can do it again. As we have from the beginning, our government will be right there to support British Columbians.
Through our StrongerBC recovery plan, hard-hit businesses are already receiving direct support, making it easier for them to invest in the people and capital needed to recover.
This has been a year like no other we have ever experienced. The difficult times are not over yet, but we will get through them. By trusting the science and listening to the experts. By supporting businesses and front-line workers. And by taking care of each other, no matter what gets thrown our way. That’s our commitment to British Columbians. •
John Horgan is premier of British Columbia and MLA for Langford-Juan de Fuca.
