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These are worrisome days indeed. In some regions, it appears we are moving right back where we started in mid-March. The tone of several premiers is ominous. I worry deeply we will return to a full business lockdown in several provinces, just like we see today in Manitoba.
Some business supports are there and more is coming. But it is deeply troubling that - 8 months into the pandemic - we have such major gaps in supports to small businesses as more regions shut them down for a second time.
If we are going to ask any businesses in Canada to close their doors a second time, nothing short of immediate, 100% support will help prevent mass casualties.
As of today, the wage subsidy is lower than the spring, the rent subsidy remains in draft legislation and the CEBA loan expansion remains incomplete. And tens of thousands of small firms have slipped through the cracks of all the programs.
Many small firms believe they are being closed not because they are a source of COVID-19 spread, but to send a message to the public to take this seriously. In many cases, the data seem to back up the notion that the spread isn't tracing back to business.
I sympathize with the impossible choices premiers and health officials have to make. I am not in their shoes. But I need to remind them of the impossible choices my members at CFIB are making right now too.
My team at CFIB has worked around the clock to call for and help fix govt support programs. We've offered 1:1 counselling to over 65,000 small business owners since the pandemic began.
But we need the public's help. Please take COVID-19 seriously at home and help slow the spread. Visit local small firms while they remain open and dedicate a good chunk of holiday spending for independent businesses.
And for policy makers, please check out CFIB's list of critical gaps in government support programs. @MTone123 published our current list: https://yyccalgarybusiness.ca/business/cfib-identifies-gaps-in-emergency-support-programs/#.X63HkshKjZt
