Saskatchewan’s business community is getting up off the canvas after getting beat down by COVID-19 and are showing for the most part in the first couple of weeks since restrictions were lifted that they are back.

Steve McLellan is the CEO of the Saskatchewan Chamber of Commerce and says the resilience of that business community has come through like he knew it would.

“We came into this not knowing what the next 18 months would bring.” McLellan said. “While we are at a important phase, we aren’t out of it yet as the impact will be felt socially and economically for a while.  I knew we had a strong resilient business community and that has shown.   The local chamber managers have been tremendous as well as they have been a source of amazing information and a shoulder to lean on.  I am not surprised to see this because of what I knew, but it is uplifting.”

While some businesses are seeing customers return, McLellan says there are still challenges with staffing being one of them.  He says those shortages are being caused by those who aren’t looking at working full-time at this moment because they are still collecting benefits or something else.

One area that is still feeling the effects is the tourism industry. McLellan feels this is the perfect opportunity for Saskatchewan families to enjoy Saskatchewan destinations. He says while you may have visited a place like Waskesiu or Kenosee a decade ago, now is the time to go again and make new memories.