Successive waves of COVID-19 have claimed the lives and livelihoods of many Canadians. The economic impacts have also been extraordinary. The Canadian economy has now recovered substantially. Economic activity is above its pre-pandemic level and employment is near its maximum sustainable level. But the economy is still not back to normal.
It is also evidence of your recognition that the lifeblood of the banking system comes from client deposits and investments, and that their trust is something that banks must strive to preserve. This is why bankers, from top management down to the frontline staff, must exercise prudence and vigilance in ensuring that banking operations are optimally carried out.