September 29th, 2020

NDP MPPs call for urgent relief for local small businesses in Waterloo Region

QUEEN’S PARK – NDP MPPs Laura Mae Lindo (Kitchener Centre) and Catherine Fife (Waterloo) stepped up pressure on the Ford government Tuesday to provide direct financial supports to save small businesses in the region that are struggling to survive the pandemic.

During question period Tuesday, Lindo told Ford that his refusal to increase support for small business owners has caused them to close and forced them to lay off workers. “Small and medium sized businesses are relying on the government to keep them afloat. Especially in the arts and culture sector where they face historic barriers. Tammy Lawrence, a successful business owner in Kitchener Centre, lost her live performance venue Rhapsody Barrel Bar. Her business wasn't eligible for any government subsidies related to COVID-19,” Lindo told the legislature.

“She lost her business and her livelihood. Musicians that were employed there have also lost income. The community at-large has lost a cultural gem. Will the government help businesses like Rhapsody Barrel Bar avoid closure through tangible supports like emergency commercial rent subsidies, freezing utility bills and banning all evictions?,” Lindo asked the Premier during question period Tuesday.

Lindo said we are in the midst of a she-cession with more women than men losing their jobs, and in Kitchener-Waterloo we are seeing successful businesses, owned and operated by women, closing due to the pressures of COVID-19. Another successful, live performance venue, The Causerie, run by Stephanie Rozak and C.J. Perez, has also had to close.

“This is not a coincidence: Three strong women running cultural hubs in community have businesses that failed to thrive. Women have a long history of glass ceilings and financial barriers when it comes to succeeding in the business world. With the right support this could have been prevented. Will the premier guarantee, as the second wave of COVID-19 is upon us, small businesses like The Causerie, facing historic barriers, will be financially supported to avoid closure?,” Lindo asked.

Catherine Fife also urged Ford to take action immediately to offer the support businesses desperately need, and to protect them from insurance companies jacking up rates during the pandemic when businesses can least afford it.

“Will the government try to help them through with direct supports to ensure they remain solvent?,” asked Fife. “The premier says he understands how hard it is for our business community but every move thus far has compromised confidence in our economy. Will this government take immediate action to work with the insurance industry to support small businesses by preventing astronomical increases to businesses' insurance policies and premiums?” Fife asked Ford.