BONNYVILLE – After helping local businesses navigate two years of a pandemic, the Bonnyville and District Chamber of Commerce is now focused on helping its members overcome another economic hurdle – the Russian-Ukraine War.
“There was hope as we began to move forward to a post-pandemic world where supply chain issues were improving, and a lifting of restrictions meant consumers can more easily access goods and services,” writes the local chamber in a statement released on March 22.
But while the world watches in disbelief at the unthinkable invasion of Ukraine by Russia, international stability has once again been upheaved, leaving far reaching ripples in the conflict’s wake, expresses the Chamber.
“One thing is poignantly clear, we are all impacted in one way or another... The international rule of law has been broken and our economic systems will feel the impact,” the statement continues.
“As trade sanctions are placed on Russian goods and services, Canadian businesses are once again left to feel the impact of a volatile economy after an already challenging two years.”
Pointing to possible unforeseen consequences of the Ukraine conflict, the Bonnyville Chamber points out that Canadian farmers rely heavily on fertilizer from Russia.
“Now, many organizations are scrambling to find additional sources to ensure future crops are not impacted. This is one small example,” explains the Chamber.
“The role of Chambers of Commerce is to work with businesses and elected officials on all levels of government to ensure that further disruptions do not affect imports and that we work to ensure our current supply chains runs smoothly.”
Assisting the people of Ukraine
The Bonnyville and District Chamber of Commerce also expressed a commitment to provide support for potential Ukrainian refugees who may arrive in the Lakeland region.
“We are blessed to live in a region rich with Ukrainian culture and heritage. We have many people from the Ukraine who are proud to call the Lakeland region home,” writes the Chamber.
“Our commitment to our community remains the same and we promise to be proactive in preparing for an influx of potential refugees who flee the Ukraine and find themselves in the Lakeland.”
For any Ukraine refugees that find themselves in the community, the Chamber has committed to promoting job training and creating programs and services to help them transition from the turmoil they may have experienced to life in the Lakeland.
“As always, the Bonnyville Chamber stands for our community, equality, and acceptance for all.”
The Chamber also noted that it will continue to promote Canadian oil as the most environmentally friendly sourced oil, but also oil that is peacefully sourced.
