Canadian Chamber finds positive development in government’s funding approach

(OTTAWA) – October 2, 2020 – The Canadian Chamber of Commerce President and CEO, Perrin Beatty, issued the following statement regarding today’s announced funding supports for businesses:

“Our members welcome the funding increase to the regional development agencies across Canada. The improved eligibility criteria, which makes it easier for small businesses to access the help, is a very positive development.

As we all adapt to the realization COVID-19 will be in our midst for much longer than we initially expected, the programs designed to support businesses need to evolve. Of critical importance to this evolution is a much quicker delivery of funds and specific help for the hardest hit sectors. 

In that regard, we believe administering a portion of the new Regional Relief and Recovery fund dollars through the regional development agencies will greatly improve the time it takes for businesses to get support dollars in their bank accounts. The fluid nature of the pandemic has taught us all that every day, and every dollar, can make the difference between a business staying open and closing its doors for good. The decisions we make today can have a profound effect on permanent job losses of tomorrow.

Finally, we know recoveries can only begin when the shops on Main Streets across the country return to growth. Today’s funding announcements demonstrate an evolution of the government’s thinking in how it provides support to businesses. By placing the funding in the hands of agencies that are closest to our Main Street businesses, we are laying the foundation for more businesses keeping their lights on and Canadians employed.”

About the Canadian Chamber of Commerce – Because Business Matters
The Canadian Chamber of Commerce helps build the businesses that support our families, our communities and our country. We do this by influencing government policy, by providing essential business services and by connecting businesses to information they can use, to opportunities for growth and to a network of local chambers, businesses, decision-makers and peers from across the country, in every sector of the economy and at all levels of government, as well as internationally. We are unapologetic in our support for business and the vital role it plays in building and sustaining our great nation.

For more information, please contact:

Phil Taylor
ptaylor@chamber.ca