Vancouver Economy Report June 2021

There is a disconnect between how many of us understand the economy and our day-to-day world.

 
The economy is inescapable; it forms the building blocks to our lives. This is because everything – what we eat, how we move around, how we conduct and pursue social relationships, our choices throughout our careers – is premised on our current economic model. And economic development is one of the deciding factors of whether we thrive or struggle in today’s economy.

The pandemic shone a light on the groups and workers crucial to maintaining and fulfilling economic success; foremost among them are caregivers, drivers, cleaners, front-line workers, and delivery staff. What we think of as traditional economic development has not historically centred or aided many of the groups essential for the day-to-day functioning of an economy.

COVID-19 has shown us that these workers and groups, traditionally excluded from economic development process – must be part of the decision-making to lay the groundwork for a more resilient economy.