Local businesses want help to do the government’s job for them.
Northwestern Ontario Associated Chambers of Commerce representative Charla Robinson, along with other regional Chamber leaders, are making that pitch to the provincial government during BDC Small Business Week.
In the letter Monday, Robinson stresses further financial supports are needed for businesses, which could include grants or tax credits.
She points to how owners have had to pivot and re-distribute staff to cover a new role of checking patrons for identification and proof of COVID-19 vaccination.
“Businesses are paying a person to stand there to do a job for the government, and they would like that to be recognized through financial assistance to help pay that person’s wages,” Robinson added. “That’s a staff member that can’t serve tables at the restaurant, or clean the washrooms at the gym or whatever their regular job is.”
She adds this is a perfect measure during Small Business Week, to help businesses that have been significantly impacted by pandemic limitations and regulations.
