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By Kamloops-South Thompson MLA Todd Stone

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SOUND OFF: NDP’s failures add to small business woes

Jan 20, 2022 | 1:51 PM

YOU HAVE TO FEEL for the small businesses across British Columbia that continue to struggle to keep their doors open as the COVID-19 pandemic drags on. Not only are they in a constant state of confusion because of the NDP’s poor communication and lack of data transparency, but they continue to be inadequately supported by the NDP’s botched relief grants.

This week was a prime example of both sets of failures. On Monday, the NDP caused chaos when they quietly posted new health orders online without alerting the media or the public about the changes. It seems clear they were trying to correct an error they made which left a gap between when previous orders expired and when new measures would be announced. But instead of acknowledging their mistake, they changed the orders in secret and hoped no one would notice. But people did notice, and began to speculate that the previous orders would hold indefinitely. That caused a lot of panic and frustration on the part of business owners and their customers, who suddenly saw no light at the end of the tunnel when it came to resuming operations and activities.

The NDP also seems unable to get its support programs right from the get-go. Their initial Circuit Breaker Grant in the spring of 2021 was a disaster from the outset with its confusing criteria and cumbersome application process. There were also massive delays in getting funds to businesses, and many had to close up shop as a result.

Fast-forward to December 2021, and the announcement of a COVID-19 Closure Relief Grant for businesses affected by the current closures or reductions to their operations. Having had a prior grant template in place, you’d think it would be easy for the NDP to provide supports immediately to businesses once again suffering from lost revenues. But somehow, they managed to find a way to dither and delay again.

Today, nearly a month later, the application window is finally open but not a cent has actually flowed out to business owners. This week we learned public health orders would be be extended for many businesses for another month, so the Jobs Minister announced an extension of December’s supports to match the extension of restrictions. That’s all well and good, so long as these financial supports actually get to these businesses before it’s too late. Can you blame small business owners for having their doubts?

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I should also point out that even when these businesses do see the money, most of them won’t be eligible for the $20,000 maximum benefit as they won’t meet the unreasonably strict criteria of having 100 or more employees or contracted staff. The minister must broaden the eligibility criteria for this grant as it also still excludes many impacted businesses such as those within the live events sector, travel agents and event planners who have seen all of their upcoming bookings disappear.

Business owners are also responsible for covering a myriad of added NDP costs, including sick pay. Nobody should be forced to choose between going to work sick or losing wages, and the NDP should cover sick pay costs until the end of the pandemic. That’s what the Premier promised. It’s the right thing to do, instead of placing an additional financial burden on employers at this already trying time.

According to the Canadian Federation of Independent Business, 35 per cent of small businesses are losing money every single day. Employers and their workers need help today — not weeks or months from now. This is the fifth wave of COVID-19, and by now the NDP should be able to act quickly to support people rather than sit on its hands and hope for the best. Their incompetence only continues to hurt B.C.’s small businesses and the people who depend on their goods and services.

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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 Pattison Media.