Oshawa mayor says continued financial support for small business is needed

Small businesses may be an important driver in Ontario’s economy, but Oshawa Mayor Dan Carter believes they are an “essential component” of city neighbourhoods as well and is calling on both the federal and provincial governments to continue financial support to cover revenues lost due to pandemic restrictions.

“Immediate action needs to be taken to assist our small and community-owned businesses that have been hardest hit by the economic impacts of COVID-19. While the province has announced an expanded rebate program for affected businesses, more is needed to bring timely and lasting support to our local business community,” Carter said in a statement.

The Mayor, who called small business a “critical pillar” in the local economy, said the two upper levels of government must keep offering wage subsidies, programs to cover lost revenues and rent subsidies “until a return to full operations can resume,” while also considering other immediate measures to assist affected businesses.

Carter said the city’s Economic Recovery Task Force is working with the Greater Oshawa Chamber of Commerce and the Downtown Oshawa Business Alliance to lobby and assist “in any way possible” to help mitigate the financial losses that businesses are “continuing to endure during this difficult period.”

Carter said local residents have a role to play too.

“Now more than ever, it is important for us to support local and buy local whenever we can. You can help make a difference by purchasing from local businesses online, dining out at home by ordering takeout from your local restaurant, and purchasing gift certificates now to use later.”

“Let’s continue to be there for each other.”