More supports being planned for businesses impacted by COVID measures: Sandhu

Dec 22, 2021 | 12:40 PM

Some new supports may be coming for businesses who are forced to close or reduce capacity due to the new COVID-19 measures.

Vernon-Monashee MLA Harwinder Sandhu told Vernon Matters that she and other MLA’s met for a COVID committee meeting Tuesday following the announcement of the new restrictions. During that meeting the committee members, including Sandhu, discussed their concerns with the impacts the new measures will have on businesses and the economy.

“That’s when I learned that [the Minister of Jobs and Economy] is going to have another meeting where they will be discussing these supports,” said Sandhu.

“I wholeheartedly always, and will always support, our local businesses, and more so the ones that will be impacted, and it was reassuring for me to know that.”

Cycling from Okanagan to Van Isle

Police asking for help locating missing man

14h ago

Stage 2 Restrictions

Water restrictions enhanced for Greater Vernon due to storage concerns

14h ago

international security discussions

Local MP attending Defence and Aerospace Conference in Turkey

15h ago

The NDP MLA noted the exact specifics of the supports remain unknown, but is confident the funding will be put in place soon, though she could not provide a time line for when those supports would be put in place.

Sandhu noted that she really felt for the businesses who are being impacted by these measures, but is assured that some support will be made available, adding that she will continue to advocate for the people and businesses in the Interior.

The Greater Vernon Chamber of Commerce issued a statement Tuesday, calling on the province to provide financial relief to the businesses impacted by the latest round of restrictions.

At the federal level, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said today his government is going to continue to provide help for the hardest hit regions of the country and for specific sectors like art and culture, hospitality and tourism.

Ottawa is temporarily expanding eligibility for two COVID benefit programs to help workers and businesses affected by public health restrictions aimed at slowing the spread of the Omicron variant.

Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland said wage and rent support programs will be able to support workers and businesses that see capacity restricted by 50 per cent or more.

(With files from The Canadian Press)

by Liam Verster

View Comments