After much difficult deliberation, the Broadbent Institute has decided to postpone the 2020 Progress Summit due to public health concerns about mass gatherings arising from novel coronavirus (COVID – 19).
Public health and safety are a top priority for the Broadbent Institute. We have been closely monitoring developments with COVID – 19, and regularly reviewing updates and recommendations from health organizations such as the World Health Organization (WHO), Public Health Agency of Canada, and the British Columbia Centre for Disease Control.
In Canada, the risk associated with COVID – 19 remains relatively low. We want to do our part to keep it that way by acting with an abundance of caution in these very uncertain times.
In Canada, the risk associated with COVID – 19 remains relatively low. We want to do our part to keep it that way by acting with an abundance of caution in these very uncertain times.
British Columbia’s Medical Officer of Health has recommended event organizers reconsider holding mass gatherings, especially if some participants may be elderly or health compromised. The Institute prides itself on ensuring that our events are safe and inclusive environments, and we can no longer say with confidence that a Summit held in March would be able to meet this standard for all participants.
Our decision to postpone is a heavy one. We know that much work, planning and resources have gone into preparations to attend the conference. From our participants, speakers and sponsors, to the hotel staff that were ready to host us, we know our decision impacts many. We are very sorry.
It is important to highlight that this is just a postponement. Our planned conversations for this year’s Progress Summit revolve around critical and timely issues about how we shift to a cleaner and more democratic economy. These conversations are even more important in the face of a possible recession. We are already in conversations with our venue about new dates. So stay tuned!
We will be keeping you regularly updated as we move forward to reschedule the Summit and we hope you will join us once our new date is set.
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