Letter to the Editor

Our federal Liberal government has placed a priority on ensuring the Canadian economy and businesses get the help they need while protecting our citizens.  A substantial number of programs are available to help local business during this exceptional time (a point omitted by our MP in his last media statement).  We are not out of the woods yet and staying safe, staying healthy and staying home are still the most important actions we can be do to protect ourselves and those more vulnerable.

Some of the federal Liberal Government actions for business include:

• Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy (CEWS) – up to 75% of wages are paid for the business.  Applications to start April 27.
• Canada Emergency Business Account (CEBA) – $40,000 interest free loan with $10,000 forgiven if $30,000 paid by December 2022.
• Business Mortgage Deferral – Our government negotiated with banks and credit unions to defer mortgage payments for six months.
• Canada Emergency Commercial Rent Assistance – details to be announced soon.
• Lowered Interest Rates – Bank of Canada rate dropped 1.5 basis points in March resulting in lowered prime rates at your bank.
• Small and Medium Business loan guarantee through Business Development Bank.
• GST remittances have been deferred and Payroll Remittances discounted.
• Changes to the Summer Jobs Program.
• Increased wages for low income essential workers.

And the government is doing much more for individuals and families.  I, for one, am grateful we have a government responding so quickly and sensitively to the diverse needs of so many Canadians.  Link to the comprehensive list of government initiatives along with explanations and forms at www.KootenayColumbia.ca

Again, stay safe.  Working together we will get through this.

Robin Goldsbury,

Chair, Kootenay Columbia FLA 

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