Regina chamber head wary of price tag attached to throne speech promises

The CEO of the Regina Chamber of Commerce described the federal government’s throne speech as containing “rainbows and unicorns,” and was a rehash of promises made in the past.

“(There were) things like a universal daycare program across the country and a national pharmacare program, so it was a lot of that. But what is this going to cost? Who knows? And that’s the big challenge,” John Hopkins said during the Greg Morgan Morning Show on Thursday.

Hopkins said Canadians have two priorities right now, the first being health.

While there were promises to help increase COVID-19 testing capacity, Hopkins said there were few details on how to manage a spike in cases.

He said the second-most important priority for Canadians is helping businesses get through the pandemic.

Hopkins was happy to hear that the wage subsidy will be extended until next summer.

He also welcomed the end of the Canadian Emergency Response Benefit.

“It was a disincentive to go back to work for a lot of people,” Hopkins said.

Those out of work will get help through an employment insurance system that the Liberals promise will cover everyone.

However, the chamber executive is worried about the cost of that program rising as well.

“Sure, the rates are going to be frozen for a year or two here. But once we come out of that, there is going to be a lot of money that’s going to have to be paid back,” Hopkins said.

“At the end of the day, who’s going to pay for it? Well, we know. It’s you and me.”

Hopkins does not see an end to the pandemic anytime soon.

The shuttering of local businesses like Hunter Gatherer and Laser Quest have been proof of how difficult the pandemic has been on entrepreneurs.

“Anybody who thinks it’s going to be done by Christmas, you’re dreaming. We’re into this in 2021 if not far after that,” Hopkins said.

As COVID-19 cases continue to rise, raising fears of a second wave, many have feared businesses would be ordered to close again.

In Saskatchewan, while Premier Scott Moe has resisted calls for mandatory masks, he has said that would be preferable to a second lockdown.

Generally, Hopkins said businesses want to see mandatory masks as well.

“Most businesses want to see masks. I wouldn’t say that every single one does but that seems to be the trend and most places you go to now, they want you to wear a mask and with good reason,” he said.

“I’m not quite sure I understand the whole anti-mask movement whatsoever. At the end of the day, people are dying of COVID-19 and safety is the most important thing right now.”