In Windsor Essex, a task force was established to help workers, entrepreneurs, businesses and the local economy during COVID-19. The Windsor Essex COVID-19 economic task force was established March 18, 2020 and is comprised of 40 members who represent a broad cross-section of industries in Windsor-Essex, Ontario. The task force is sub-divided into six separate committees, each with upwards of 15 members.
The mission of the Windsor Essex COVID-19 economic task force is to collect, coordinate and disseminate information on strategies, programs, and other remedies that are available to mitigate the impacts that the COVID-19 pandemic is having on the economic well-being of workers, entrepreneurs, businesses and the regional economy. The task force has, and will continue to, strategize and formalize re-ignition plans for their respective industries in the context of the overall Windsor-Essex, provincial and national economies.
Agriculture and Agri-foods
The Agriculture and Agri-Food Committee of the Windsor Essex COVID-19 economic task force is chaired by Dr. Justine Taylor, science and government relations manager with the Ontario Greenhouse Vegetable Growers (OGVG). “The agriculture and agri-food sector plays a critical role in distributing safe, high-quality food to Canadians. Maintaining the integrity of the agri-food supply chain during an emergency is essential for all Canadians,” Taylor explained.
“We are very grateful to the governments of Canada and Ontario for recognizing the importance of agriculture and agri-food and establishing supports to ensure we can continue to feed Canadians during these trying times,” she said. “Our number one priority is protecting the health and safety of Canadians, our rural communities and our agricultural workforce.”
Logistics, Transportation & Cross-Border
The Logistics, Transportation & Cross-Border Committee (LTCB) for the Windsor Essex COVID-19 economic task force is comprised of representatives from the trucking industry, logistics and warehousing, border operators, airport operations and members of the Windsor transportation club. The committee has met virtually several times since the outbreak to exchange data and personal accounts of the economic impact of COVID-19.
The LTCB sector has and will continue to be an essential service for myriad reasons. The women and men in the LTCB sector have stepped up to help get the entire population through the crisis by ensuring the delivery of healthcare services, medical equipment, food, and other essential items.
Read more about Agriculture and Agri-Foods here, and read more about Logistics, Transportation & Cross-Border here.
