Premier John Horgan and Dr. Penny Ballem, executive lead of BC’s immunization plan rollout announced that 14 Canadian companies will assist the province with the immunization rollout at mass vaccination centres.
The provincial government made the announcement this afternoon, March 24th.
The new partnership will employ more than 1,400 workers from the hard-hit tourism, hospitality, and sport sectors.
Companies include:
• Air Canada
• WestJet
• Vancouver International Airport
• the Vancouver Canucks, the Vancouver Giants, and the Fraser Valley Bandits,
• Pacific National Exhibition
• Surrey’s Marine Terminals
• Tourism Whistler
• the Red Cross
• BC Pavilion Corporation
• Ceres Terminals Canada
• Pacific Destinations Services
Now, 1,400 furloughed workers in BC will help with non-clinical duties at vaccination centres across BC.
“It takes a whole village to help implement this immunization effort and we are proud to be working with business and industry leaders and community organizations in every sector, along with municipalities to get vaccines to people in B.C. quickly and efficiently,” said Dr. Penny Ballem.
While the companies will be in charge of employee’s incomes, the BC government will help supplement the income for the companies’ employees, if need be.
As vaccines make their way into the arms of British Columbians, distribution is getting a helping hand from the public.
This week, innovations from Camosun College saw them manufacture specialized trays to secure the COVID-19 vaccine vials for transport.
“Our immunization program is the largest and most complex in B.C.’s history, with multiple sectors, industries and professions working together to get people immunized as quickly as possible,” said Adrian Dix, Minister of Health.
“This partnership is another incredible example of what can be accomplished when we work together to protect our communities from COVID-19.”
