CFIB still calling on province to provide support for small businesses

Effective January 5th, some businesses are either closing or being forced to operate at reduced capacities as new restrictions are again being placed for the next 21 days.

The Canadian Federation of Independent Business is again calling on the government to support small businesses affected by the new measures.

CFIB reports only 35 per cent of Ontario's small businesses are at expected revenues. Meanwhile, the average COVID-19 debt for an Ontario small business is $190,000, and 18.5 per cent are actively considering bankruptcy. 

CFIB's director of provincial affairs for Ontario said she has heard the finance minister's office is working on a grant program.

“This grant can't come soon enough for businesses that are hanging on by a thread,” said Julie Kwiecinski. 

“With the last grant, a lot of businesses fell through the cracks.” But, she adds, “the Ontario government should know by now to not announce restrictions unless the wallet is opened at the same time.”

Kwiecinski stresses that when a grant is available, it should be broad-based so that all businesses can have the support they need.

“Time and time again, we keep doing this, expecting a different result.” Kwiecinski offered to help with establishing a grant program with the finance minister's office. “We are here to help you. We talk to these businesses every day we know what the flaws are. Let us help you determine who is eligible so that no small business falls through the cracks.” 

She adds businesses are suffering because of COVID and the decisions made by the government around COVID.

“Business owners are at their wits ends. So many of these people have invested and used up all their savings. How are these businesses supposed to survive without any direct government funding?”

Kwiecinski adds, “while governments may not be able to control COVID. They can certainly control forcing more costs on small businesses when they can least afford it.”