| The Mississauga Board of Trade and the Ontario Chamber of Commerce are concerned over today’s announcement about new business restrictions and mandated closures by the Government of Ontario, calling the Provincial plan “unacceptable” because it doesn’t adequately address support for business.
“We recognize that public health and a healthy economy are intrinsically linked, however sweeping new restrictions – impacting employers, workers, and families – unaccompanied by immediate and commensurate supports is unacceptable nearly two years into the pandemic,” said Ontario Chamber of Commerce President & CEO, Rocco Rossi. “We need a comprehensive plan that ties restrictions to clear, data-based metrics so that employers, workers, and families can plan ahead. “
Mississauga Board of Trade President & CEO Trevor McPherson agreed with his provincial counterpart.
“We share the Ontario Chamber of Commerce views that although health and safety measures should always be paramount, the announcement today without a plan to support businesses and workers affected is really unacceptable.”
Premier Doug Ford did announce an expanded rebate program for businesses affected by the new closures and certain businesses ordered to close will be reimbursed for 100 per cent of property taxes and energy costs and those who must reduce to 50 per cent capacity will see rebates for half of those expenses.
Rossi doesn’t believe it is enough.
“We are all are doing our part. Now, government needs to do their part. What additional steps does the government plan to take to over the next 21 days and beyond?” he asked. “Newly imposed public health measures intended to control the spread of the Omicron variant should always be met with immediate, commensurate and targeted relief, particularly for small businesses, many of whom cannot afford any further reduction in revenue.” |
