The Ontario NDP say they have a plan to help struggling small businesses.
The Official Opposition are updating their Save Main Street plan, which was first announced in April.
It includes a utility freeze for businesses, a 75 per cent commercial rent subsidy up to $10,000 per month for three months, and a fund to help businesses work remotely.
Thunder Bay-Atikokan MPP Judith Monteith-Farrell says their Save Main Street plan will also call for a ban on evictions.
While costs in Thunder Bay aren’t as high as centres like Toronto, Monteith-Farrell says some small and mid-sized businesses are still in danger of shutting down.
They also want to focus on a “she-covery,” helping women who tend to face barriers in getting jobs while also being responsible for childcare amidst the pandemic.
Kiiwetinoong MPP Sol Mamakwa says he heard “day in and day out” over the summer from businesses that were suffering and didn’t qualify for provincial or federal help.
He adds they’ll be raising awareness about these issues at Queens Park, and need to work together across the region to form a “common voice”.
