by Eric Duncan, M.P.
Now more than ever, this past year has showed us the need to support our local businesses, especially during these trying times. Small businesses are the backbone of the Canadian economy, and employ nearly half of the people in the country’s private sector.
Please remember that most retail businesses and restaurants are still open during lockdowns for curbside pickup and delivery. Give them a call or email before making an order elsewhere to see if you can make your purchase locally.
Since the pandemic began, MPP Jim McDonell and I have visited dozens of local businesses to check in on their owners and staff. We worked to ensure they were able to tap into business loans, wage subsidies, and other financial supports to get them through COVID-19. If you are a business owner that would like a visit, please contact our office and we’d be pleased to safely connect with you.
Our Conservative team in Ottawa has fought hard to pressure and make important changes to key federal support programs during the COVID-19 pandemic that have allowed more businesses to qualify for help and reduce unnecessary red tape;
- Increased Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy (CEWS) from 10% to 75% to keep millions of Canadians in their jobs
- Expanded eligibility to $40,000 Canada Emergency Business Account (CEBA) to help more small businesses qualify
- Stopped CRA audits during COVID-19 as businesses fight to survive
- Removed requirement to have landlord apply for Canada Emergency Rent Subsidy (CERS)
I will continue to be a strong voice for our businesses across Stormont-Dundas-South Glengarry. Together, we will get through this pandemic and come out stronger than before.
