The Canadian Business Resilience Network has been launched to help the nation’s business community get through the economic challenges caused by the COVID-19 (coronavirus) pandemic.

The Network has been launched in partnership with the Canadian Chamber of Commerce and the Government of Canada.

“The CBRN is a coordinated, business-led, inclusive campaign that will focus on providing businesses the tools they need to mitigate the impact of the pandemic on them, our economy and communities across the country. Its goal is also to help businesses emerge from this crisis and drive Canada’s economic recovery,” said officials in a news release on Monday.

The CBRN will:

  • Give tools and supports to businesses in their continuity efforts – from development to implementation;
  • Provide a consistent and reliable flow of accurate and up-to-date information;
  • Work closely with federal government and within the business community to ensure the right supports are in place, and to be a conduit for information from the government to the private sector (and vice versa); and
  • Aim to instil confidence in Canadian business and the economy.

“COVID-19 has provided us with an unprecedented challenge, but Canadians are resilient. The Canadian Business Resilience Network is about business and government stepping up together to make sure every Canadian business has the information it needs and a fighting chance to make it through,” said Jackie King, Chief Operating Officer, Canadian Chamber of Commerce.

“We know that Canadian businesses of all sizes are facing incredible economic hardship in these difficult and uncertain times. Our government is taking strong and decisive action to provide them with immediate relief—helping them keep costs low, keep up with their operational costs like rent, and keep Canadians employed. The Canadian Business Resilience Network will support businesses and keep them informed as we navigate this incredible challenge,” said Mary Ng, Minister of Small Business, Export Promotion and International Trade.

“Small- and medium-sized businesses are an integral part of the Canadian economy. We recognize that many businesses are challenged right now and we are wholeheartedly committed to supporting them however we can. This campaign is one way we can do exactly that,” said Jeff Macoun, President and Chief Operating Officer at Canada Life, presenting supporter of the CBRN campaign. “This campaign aligns perfectly with our mission to improve the financial, physical and mental well-being of Canadians, and we’re proud to support it.”

The campaign will feature:

  • A standalone website (cbrn.ca) that serves as a central hub for credible information, the latest news and insights, tools and resources and as a platform for engaging businesses;
  • Information sharing and awareness building initiatives, including newsletters and webinars; and
  • Analysis and reporting on business, industry and economic trends across the country to see what is working and where gaps might exist.