Thread by @RachelNotley

Alberta’s NDP and small business owners are calling for a suite of support measures for struggling small businesses in light of new, last-minute COVID-19 measures announced by the UCP government last week.

#ableg #abpoli #yyc #yeg #yql #ymm

Once again Jason Kenney has delayed action until the last possible moment creating unfair pressure on struggling small businesses in many parts of Alberta. #covid19ab

Businesses need certainty, and they need support from this government so that we can all do our part to bring COVID-19 under control without completely sacrificing livelihoods.

#SupportLocalYYC #supportlocalYEG

Alberta’s NDP is proposing seven measures to support businesses that are affected by the new restrictions, and to better prepare businesses for future measures that may come.

1. Triple the funding for the Small & Medium Enterprise Relaunch Grant offered by the government allowing for businesses to receive $10,000 each (up from $5,000) and lowering the qualifying threshold from 50% revenue lost to 40% revenue lost during any two-month period.

2. Match the incoming federal Lockdown Support program up to 25 per cent to provide coverage to businesses forced to close as a result of COVID-19.

3. Reinstate the commercial eviction ban that expired on Aug. 31 for six months to April 2021.

4. Reinstate the ban on utility shutoffs for six months and institute a deferral of up to 6 months to April 2021. Also, amend legislation to authorize forgiveness on utility costs or reduced rates at a later date.

5. Renew call for 50 per cent reduction on small business insurance and extend reduction to June 30, 2021.

6. Provide government-backed low interest lines of credit of up to $30,000.

7. Introduce a COVID-19 Risk Index that gives business the ability to plan for moving up or down a stage of the relaunch strategy.

Economists have been clear that governments are well-positioned to manage public debt in order to support businesses. The UCP government must do more to ensure these businesses can weather the storm by adhering to public health orders. #abecon #cdnpoli