An idea worth considering

Good public policy ideas should not be the preserve of a single political party or region of the country. In that regard, I was pleased to see one of the leadership candidates for the Liberal Party of Newfoundland and Labrador advance the idea of indemnification of various sports organizations from COVID-19 claims if they have adhered to public health guidelines.

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Democrat Premier John Horgan has already established this approach on the West Coast. By doing so, he is helping throw a lifeline to many sports organizations who are desperately trying to restart their activities for the benefit of all. Sports organizations are the lifeblood of communities from Victoria to St. John’s. They keep people active, well and socially engaged. They generate in real time and over time enormous economic activity. However, like many small businesses, they have little or no cash reserves to deal with any new challenges that unexpectedly come their way.

Most sports organizations in Canada are hearing from their insurance providers that they will not cover the costs of any participant who contracts COVID-19. That is a huge vulnerability. If left unaddressed, it may mean some sports will have difficulty restarting. From my sport’s perspective, Horgan’s action was very welcome. If the same approach were possible in Newfoundland and Labrador, that would indeed also be a very positive outcome.

COVID-19 has been difficult on all Canadians, all Newfoundlanders and Labradorians. Regaining hope, optimism and helping generate immediate economic activity doesn’t just require grand strategy or task forces; sometimes it can happen with immediate action. Moving to indemnify sports organizations that adhere to public health guidelines is one such action. It’s something I hope all of Newfoundland and Labrador’s political leaders will consider. Tim Powers, chair Rugby Canada board of directors