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Given the extraordinary circumstances forced upon the globe by the COVID-19 virus, this week we’re focusing exclusively on the effects of the coronavirus pandemic on both society at large and the construction industry across Canada. Daily Commercial News and Journal of Commerce national managing editor Vince Versace takes a look at the debate in Ontario between business stakeholders both for and against work slowdowns to help halt the spread of the virus as well as disease-halting efforts by the province of British Columbia while also stating construction sites are not classified as mass gatherings. Vince also reflects on how B.C. construction leaders have created a business cabinet to coordinate stakeholder mobilization, and highlights stories we’re running about the impact the 1918 Spanish flu had on the industry at that time.

Journal of Commerce staff writer Russell Hixson goes into detail regarding his Spanish flu story, including the fact that the City of Vancouver became responsible for sick people all over the province, meaning the construction industry needed to build an emergency hospital in record time. Russell also talks about how Alberta’s construction stakeholders sent a letter to premier Jason Kenney urging the Alberta premier to not shut down construction sites, while still working on best practices to keep their workers in good health.

For the latest on how the COVID-19 crisis is affecting the construction industry across Canada, go to the Daily Commercial News and Journal of Commerce sites where we are continuously updating with more news as it comes in.