Extension of some federal COVID business supports being considered
Business and labour leaders were asking, pointing to the impact restrictions continue to have on many businesses
The federal government is considering an extension to some COVID-related support programs for businesses as the pandemic drags on.
We heard this week business and labour leaders were asking the federal government to give it some thought pointing to the impact restrictions continue to have on many businesses
Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland says the government is discussing options to extend support for businesses beyond the Oct. 23 expiration date for some emergency wage and rent subsidies.
Related: Federal government urged to extend COVID emergency benefits
Among their campaign promises, the Liberals pledged to extend wage and rent supports to the tourism industry. It now appears the government will broaden the scope of that extension.
Freeland says the government is looking to support hard-hit industries, assuring the government will be there for Canadians and provide economic support as needed.
“The fourth wave and the Delta variants are hitting parts of the country particularly hard. And we know that government policy very much needs to be mindful of that,” Ms. Freeland said at a news conference in Ottawa.
The wage subsidy has paid $93.4-billion to 4.4 million applicants, while a rent subsidy has paid $6.5-billion to 1.7 million applicants.
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