I would like to thank you for the work that you do for our community, your tireless efforts are noticed and appreciated.
During this time we are doing our best to pass along concerns and get people the answers they need. We know a lot of small and medium sized businesses have questions about the pandemic and its implications for their employees and financial operations.
Below are some of the resources that are currently available. If you have any further questions regarding these programs please feel free to reach out to my office.
You can find the provincial government's current relief package for businesses here.
The Ministry of Finance is tasked with responding to small and medium business questions about closures and financial support. They have set up a hotline at: 1-866-668-8297.
The Canadian Federation of Independent Business has set up a similar hotline at: 1-888-234-2232.
The federal government has put together this resource page for businesses, which can be found here. Small and medium-sized businesses may qualify for COVID-19 loans through Innovation Canada, select "funding" in needs.
You can visit the Ontario Chamber of Commerce's website for more COVID-19 related information and resources.
My colleagues and I have been urging the provincial government to put forward more supports so folks like you can stay afloat. Here is what we have called for:
- A 75 per cent commercial rent subsidy up to $10,000 a month for three months
- A utility payment freeze
- A remote-work set up fund, which could help with things like setting up an online retail operation, or buying laptops and software for staff
- An auto insurance grace period for taxis and car-sharing drivers, established in partnership with the insurance industry and the Financial Services Regulatory Authority
- A designated emergency fund for small businesses and entrepreneurs who have faced historic barriers to accessing traditional capital, as proposed by the Canadian Black Chamber of Commerce.
Once again, feel free to reach out to my office if you have any feedback or concerns regarding the programs currently offered, or what would be of the most assistance to you at this time.