VANCOUVER -- The provincial government is looking for public feedback as it slowly restarts its economy.

In an effort to solicit opinions and advice, the B.C. government asks residents to participate in an online survey.

Suggestions can also be emailed to the province, at recoveryideas@gov.bc.ca.

Among the questions the province is looking to answer are:

  • What needs to be done to strengthen and improve B.C.'s health-care system?
  • What is your top priority when it comes to improving your quality of life?
  • What would most help improve your work life or work prospects?
  • Do you think B.C. is on the right track?
  • Are your concerns and needs met by B.C.'s approach?

Those interested in giving feedback in another way can participate in virtual town halls. 

The survey was announced at a news conference Wednesday hosted by B.C. Premier John Horgan and Finance Minister Carole James.

The pair spoke from Victoria about the plan to engage British Columbians, saying there are ongoing consultations with industry professionals and health experts as well.

Speaking to media, Horgan thanked the efforts of the public to flatten the curve, and acknowledged sacrifices made as a result.

"Together, British Columbians have done an extraordinary job in fighting COVID-19. Compared to other jurisdictions in Canada, in North America, and indeed around the world, our outcomes have been outstanding," he said.

"Despite our best efforts, unfortunately, 168 people have lost their lives. Those are loved ones that families will not see again, taken by a pandemic that has hit all of us, regardless of where we live, who we are, what our economic status is. It's hit us all very, very hard."

The premier thanked those willing to take steps to keep themselves and their neighbours safe, and for those who continued to work through the pandemic.

He and James also addressed the $1.5 billion set aside earlier in the pandemic for economic recovery.

"Although the risk of the pandemic has not left us, COVID-19 remains in British Columbia and people have to remain vigilant, we are in a place where we can now start talking about what does the future look like?"

The premier said it's important to keep climate change front of mind, creating good jobs that will "leave the planet safer for future generations."

Horgan also encouraged the public to become patrons of local businesses in their neighbourhoods as they reopen.

He acknowledged there will be challenges for small businesses and the tourism industry, and he's hopeful the latest modelling next week will allow for the province to move into Phase 3.

The next phase will allow for more travel within the province, he said, but the data must be examined before decisions are made.

Minister James said not every industry has been impacted equally, and the province will be looking for which sectors were hit hardest.

In his last weekly briefing, Horgan extended the province's state of emergency for another two weeks and announced B.C.'s top doctor had signed off on a proposal to make Vancouver a hub city for the NHL. 

That plan involved an adjustment to the province's quarantine rules, which would allow a team to be a family entity or bubble, meaning they could stay together and travel to Rogers Arena in private transportation. 

No interaction would be allowed between players and the public for 14 days, however. 

"We love our hockey in British Columbia. We welcome the NHL to come here, and it's up to them to make that choice," Horgan said last Wednesday. 

Watch an American Sign Language translation of the news conference on the provincial government's YouTube page.

With files from CTV News Vancouver's Carly Yoshida-Butryn