The Ontario Chamber Network will be participating in the “12 Days of Small Business” campaign across the province, actively putting a spotlight on local businesses and engaging small businesses in discussions about the challenges and opportunities that have arisen because of the pandemic. The ultimate goal is to ensure these small businesses survive when the pandemic is over so they can continue to serve and support local communities and their recovery efforts.
We are calling for:
A small business pandemic relief plan. Small businesses are the lifeblood of our communities and our economy; we need to see them through to the other side of the pandemic. We need a fair and comprehensive plan for both immediate and long-term relief.
Clear communication and guidelines. Small businesses need clear communication when changes to public health guidelines occur, and sufficient time to implement them. Changes announced on a Friday afternoon that require implementation of major health and safety adaptions for Monday morning is inadequate. Detailed communications and support to make those public health changes happen would help ease one of the challenges of lockdown.
Rapid testing and improved contact tracing. Public health officials need more accurate data to take targeted action against community spread and virus hotspots. Much of the frustration coming from the business community is related to insufficient or anecdotal evidence about super-spreader events. A stronger testing and tracing apparatus will ensure that public health officials can more accurately assess where and how the virus is spreading, ensuring that any efforts to target restrictions are evidenced-based.
Support for those in and beyond lockdown zones. Even in regions of Ontario that are currently coded ‘green’, businesses and retailers are unable to make ends meet, as confusion over public health guidelines abound and residents rightly exercise caution. Unfortunately, those businesses and their workers are not eligible for certain supports due to their standing within low-restriction communities. It is important the Government of Ontario is looking out for those businesses that may fall through the gaps of both federal and provincial supports; and that applications for relief funding are easy to complete, that money is distributed quickly, and that businesses outside of the red or grey regions are also able to access support.
Introducing arrivals testing in Ontario airports. This would provide an added, stronger measure to protect our communities from COVID-positive travelers and protect small businesses from potential further spread.
