Ontario businesses want more government support amid latest COVID shutdown
Global News
Ontario businesses were hit with another round of pandemic-related closures and capacity restrictions, but details of financial support remained scant as the measures took effect.
TORONTO — Ontario businesses were hit with another round of pandemic-related closures and capacity restrictions Wednesday, but details of financial support remained scant as the measures took effect.
Restaurants, gyms, cinemas and other indoor venues were forced to close while retail stores and personal care services were limited to half capacity in a government bid to reign in the rapidly spreading Omicron virus variant that’s caused infections and hospitalizations to skyrocket.
It’s a familiar routine now almost two years into the pandemic, particularly in Ontario where restrictions have been reintroduced repeatedly during virus surges. But the lack of immediate support this time around is “rage-inducing” for struggling business owners, said the president of the Canadian Federation of Independent Business.
“It’s appalling that the provincial government has not announced immediate relief,” Dan Kelly, president of the organization, said in an interview Wednesday.
“Businesses are locked down today with hints of programs that have yet to be even designed.”
The Progressive Conservative government has announced $7.5 billion for a six-month interest-free period for businesses to make payments on provincial taxes.
It has also promised an energy cost rebate of up to 100 per cent of for businesses subject to closures and 50 per cent for those under capacity limits, but the list of businesses eligible to apply won’t be available until an unspecified date later this month.
A spokeswoman for Finance Minister Peter Bethlenfalvy said Monday that the province is also “exploring other options” for business supports, including grants for those affected by the latest shutdown measures.
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