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in si de ha lto n. co m O ak vi lle B ea ve r | T hu rs da y, A pr il 16 ,2 02 0 | 6 ABOUT US This newspaper, published every Thursday, is a division of the Metroland Media Group Ltd., a wholly-owned subsidiary of Torstar Corporation. The Metroland family of newspapers is comprised family of newspapers is comprised f of more than 80 community publications across Ontario. This newspaper is a member of the National NewsMedia Council. Complainants are urged to bring their concerns to the attention of the news- paper and, if not satisfied, write The National NewsMedia Council, Suite 200, 890 Yonge St., Toronto, ON M4W 2H2. Phone: 416-340-1981 Web: www.mediacouncil.ca insidehalton@metroland.com facebook.com/OakvilleBeavfacebook.com/OakvilleBeavf @OakvilleBeaver WHO WE ARE VP, Regional Publisher Kelly Montague Regional Managing Editor Catherine O'Hara Managing Editor Karen Miceli Director of Distribution Charlene Hall Circulation Manager Kim Mossman Director of Production Mark Dills Regional Production Manager Manny Garcia Regional General Manager Steve Foreman Halton Media General Manager Vicki Dillane CONTACT US Oakville Beaver 901 Guelph Line Burlington, ON L7R 3N8 Phone: 905-845-3824 Classifieds: 1-800-263-6480 Advertising: 289-293-0620 Delivery For all delivery inquiries, please e-mail kmossman@metroland.com or call 905-631-6095. Letters to the editor Send letters to insidehalton@metroland.com. All letters must be fewer than 320 words and include your name and telephone number for verification purposes. We reserve the right to edit, condense or reject letters. Published letters will appear in print and/or online at insidehalton.com OPINION TO LEARN HOW TO SUBMIT YOUR OWN CONTENT VISIT INSIDEHALTON.COM It's almost hard to be- lieve a month has passed since our newsroom dis- persed to work from home. In some ways, it has flown by, but in others it seems strange to think that just a few weeks ago, I was able to safely sit in close quarters with my fellow reporters. At a time when commu- nity journalism couldn't be more important, we're overcoming the challenges presented by our new workspaces to continue churning out the latest news from our home offic- es, kitchen tables, bed- rooms and patios. Essentially anywhere in the house that I can find a peaceful space, I'll hunker down to work. This comes as no small feat sometimes when I'm now home 24-7 with my two children, and my husband as well on his days off. Ironically I've been interrupted so many times while trying to write this paragraph, I've lost count! By and large, though, my kids have been patient and understanding when I say I'm on deadline, or writing breaking news, or taking an important phone call. This may mean there's been some extra screen time in our household late- ly, but I think all parents working at home can agree, sometimes you do what you gotta do. As journalists, we've en- tered uncharted waters in more ways than one. Not only have we been forced to stay at home while cover- ing the community at large, but it's the first time we've delivered insights on the local impact of a world- wide pandemic. This has come in many forms, from our consistent updates on the local num- ber of cases, to the more in- depth pieces that put a face to the Halton citizens on the front lines. We've been working the phones, email and social media hard to connect with residents to share their sto- ries, and health authorities for the most current facts on this ever-changing situ- ation. While much of the world has stopped and sheltered in place, it's true what they say -- the news never sleeps. Whether in the news- room or the living room, we're just as committed to keeping our readers in- formed during this unprece-formed during this unprece-f dented moment in history. Melanie Hennessey is a reporter with insidehal- ton.com and theifp.ca. REINVENTING THE NEWSROOM WE REMAIN CONNECTED TO READERS AS WE #STAYATHOME COVERING THE NEWS, WRITES MELANIE HENNESSEY MELANIE HENNESSEY Column "While much of the world has stopped and sheltered in place, it's true what they say - the news never sleeps." SNAPSHOT A pair of foxes have been regular visitors to a home on Westside Drive. Got a great local photo you'd like to share? Send it to sleblanc@metroland.com, along with a brief description. Tracey Piette photo It's been a tough month for Oakville's business community. They're strug- gling to navigate the eco- nomic implications of CO- VID-19 and many are con- cerned about the future of their business. Consequently, the Oak- ville Chamber has been working with all levels of government to provide eco- nomic relief measures. To avoid a collapse of our economy, the federal government announced a wage subsidy program to help cover three-quarters of employees' salaries for businesses that have seen their revenue drop by at least 30 per cent. As one of the advocates for the significant increase to the initial 10 per cent fed- eral wage subsidy an- nouncement, the Oakville Chamber, and business or- ganizations across the country, applauded the proposed Canada Emer- gency Wage Subsidy. As details emerged fol- lowing the announcement, we heard from members across our community who had concerns with the way the program had been de- signed and feared it would not be enough to save their business and keep their workers employed. To that end, the Oakville Chamber has been engag- ing with our membership to better understand their concerns, challenges and most importantly seek feedback on what types of support they need from our federal government. Businesses need to see immediate execution of government programs to protect jobs and avoid de- laying recovery. We ur- gently need to get these funds into the hands of em- ployers. Every day that we delay these funds will lead to more businesses shut- ting down and more Cana- dians facing unemploy- ment. Together, with our net- work across the country, the Oakville Chamber is calling on all levels of gov- ernment to set aside planned tax increases, new regulations and unneces- sary consultations that place a burden on busi- nesses. This is a situation with- out precedent for the Cana- dian economy. Our federal government has been re- sponsive to our calls to ac- tion and must continue to do so as we navigate this unprecedented time to- gether. Faye Lyons is the vice- president of government relations and advocacy for the Oakville Chamber of Commerce. LOCAL BUSINESSES FACE COVID-19'S WRATH CHAMBER WORKING WITH ALL LEVELS OF GOVERNMENT TO PROVIDE ECONOMIC RELIEF, WRITES FAYE LYONS FAYE LYONS Column