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By Nelson-Creston MLA Brittny Anderson

Sound Off

SOUND OFF: Grant will bring relief for temporarily closed businesses

Jan 19, 2022 | 9:56 AM

THE RECENT SURGE IN OMICRON CASES has been difficult on everyone. This is the last thing we all wanted. But we know that public health orders are necessary to help keep people safe and protect our healthcare system.

For people who own and operate small businesses impacted by the recent closures, this is an incredibly difficult time. People who work for these businesses — and their families — are also facing uncertainty and stress.

As soon as the December public health orders were announced by Dr. Bonnie Henry, our government started working on a relief program for businesses that have had to temporarily close their doors. We fast-tracked the COVID-19 Closure Relief Grant program, which is now open and accepting applications at gov.bc.ca/business-relief.

Gyms, fitness and adult dance centres, bars, lounges, nightclubs and event venues that were ordered to fully close as a result of the December 22 public health orders can now apply for funding through the grant program.

Businesses that are eligible can receive up to $10,000 in one-time funding, depending on the number of people they employ. This money can be used to help cover expenses like rent, insurance, employee wages, maintenance and utilities.

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The $10 million set aside for this provincial grant is designed to complement other existing federal programs, like the Local Lockdown Program, which helps businesses, charities and non-profits, regardless of their sector, that have been affected by public health orders. Under this federal program, these organizations can get up to 75 per cent of wage and rent support.

The vast majority of business owners in B.C. have been doing everything they can to keep their workers and customers safe, and I understand how frustrating it is to be faced with a temporary closure when you have been following the rules. Unfortunately, the more transmissible Omicron variant means we need to be extra vigilant during this surge to prevent our hospitals from being overstressed.

By working together we will get through this and get back to the things we love doing. I know people are eager to get back to their favourite gyms, nightclubs and venues and support these businesses as soon as we safely can. In the meantime, our government is committed to getting those businesses necessary support to help pay their bills.

If you are able and want to support your favourite business right now, you might want to consider buying a membership or gift card to use at a future time. We need our local businesses to keep our communities vibrant, just as they need us.

To find out more information about the COVID-19 Closure Relief Grant, business owners can visit gov.bc.ca/business-relief.

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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.