Speed up help for small businesses struggling due to COVID-19, suggests Conservative finance critic
Posted April 13, 2020 9:19 am.
Last Updated April 13, 2020 10:44 am.
OTTAWA (NEWS 1130) — Conservative Finance Critic Pierre Poilievre is calling on the federal government to hasten help for small- and medium-sized businesses struggling due to the pandemic.
He wants wage-subsidy cash to flow through banks next week rather than three from now, as outlined under the current plan.
The Conservatives propose running wage subsidies through the loan program for small businesses, and lifting the cap on that to get cash quicker to pay workers and bills.
Conservative Finance critic @PierrePoilievre speaking in Ottawa, calls on the federal government to hasten the help for small and medium sized businesses. Wants wage subsidy cash to flow next week through banks, rather than 3+ weeks under current plan. #cdnpoli #COVID19
— Cormac Mac Sweeney (@cmaconthehill) April 13, 2020
“It has been almost a month since governments shut down the Canadian economy and our small businesses have not received a single penny in rescue assistance,” Poilievre said.
On Monday, the federal government announced more protections for seniors. Ottawa’s latest efforts also included $50-million in funding for farms and other food sector businesses that rely on temporary foreign workers. Those workers have to undergo two weeks of isolation when they arrive, and the money is aimed at helping employers house and pay these workers until they can get on the job.
Agriculture Minister Marie Claude Bibeau announces $50-million to help the food sector handle the 14 day isolation period for temporary foreign workers. #cdnpoli #COVID19
— Cormac Mac Sweeney (@cmaconthehill) April 13, 2020
Poilievre said all temporary workers coming to Canada should be tested for COVID-19 immediately upon entering our country.
He also believes employers needing temporary workers should look to Canadians first, and the federal government should first offer those jobs to those accepting the Canada Emergency Response Benefit.
To date, 24,833 cases of COVID-19 have been recorded in Canada, including 735 deaths, while 7,408 have been resolved.
