Jobs, Economic Recovery and Innovation Minister Ravi Kahlon (Image Credit: Flickr / Government of BC)

By Minister of Jobs and Economic Recovery Ravi Kahlon

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SOUND OFF: Support for businesses impacted by circuit breaker

Apr 14, 2021 | 2:15 PM

SINCE BECOMING the Minister for Jobs, Economic Recovery and Innovation, my top priority has been working with B.C. businesses to support them through this pandemic. While vaccines provide hope, rising case counts meant that the provincial health officer had to introduce the circuit breaker restrictions, closing or curtailing hospitality and fitness operations to protect people and communities.

We know that these measures will be hard on businesses that are already facing challenges. That is why we launched the Circuit Breaker Business Relief Grant, which will provide businesses affected by the restrictions with a grant of up to $10,000 to help with expenses such as rent, staff wages, maintenance and utilities.

The application process is straightforward, businesses simply attest that they were affected by the orders, provide their business license information, number of employees and demonstrate that they have a majority of their ownership in BC. Businesses that have already applied for or received our Small and Medium Sized Business Recovery Grant will automatically be contacted to apply for this new program. To find out more, visit: http://www.gov.bc.ca/business-relief

Local businesses are vital to our communities. They create jobs, make spaces for us to connect, sponsor our children’s sports teams and give back to local causes. We need them and they need us.

Right now, I am encouraging everyone to support their local businesses. Whether it’s ordering take-out, delivery or enjoying these warmer days on a patio, we all have a part to play in helping our local businesses get through this.

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Tackling COVID-19 requires all of us to do our part. Our government will keep working to make sure that B.C. businesses get the support they need. In addition to the Circuit Breaker Business Relief Grant, we have created a number of business supports as part of our commitment to meeting the needs of our local businesses. You can learn more about all of the supports available here: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/covid-19/economic-recovery/business-supports

A healthy B.C. and a healthy economy go hand in hand. Let’s all do our part to flatten this curve so that we can again allow our businesses and our communities to thrive.

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Editor’s Note: This opinion piece reflects the views of its author, and does not necessarily represent the views of CFJC Today or the Jim Pattison Broadcast Group.