The provincial New Democrats wants to see grants made available for small businesses as public health restrictions are eased.
Former Premier, Rachel Notley made the suggestions, which also includes commercial rent relief.
Notley was joined by small business owners in Calgary and Edmonton, who both say that re-opening their doors after being closed for nearly two months would be like starting from scratch.
“We need to be smart about how to reopen our economy and do it in a way that is based on protects the health of all Albertans,” says Notley.
“That means financial support for businesses so they have the resources they need to stay afloat and clear guidelines to keep everyone safe. We need to get this right the first time. We simply can’t afford to get it wrong.”
The proposed grants include:
- $5,000 for physical business improvements to comply with public health orders
- $5,000 for start-up related costs for the retail and services sector
- $10,000 for start-up related costs for the hospitality sector
In addition, the NDP is calling on the UCP government to renegotiate the terms of CECRA with the federal government or provide rent relief for small businesses that are unable to participate in the program.
Other requests the official opposition is making of the government includes a 50 per cent reduction for insurance premiums until December 31, 2020, relief on utility bills that go beyond just deferrals, and a PPE acquisition plan led by the provincial government.
Stage One of the province’s relaunch starts on Thursday.
– Kenny Trenton, Trending 55 Newsroom
