Photo Credit: Grande Prairie Chamber of Commerce

By Shane Clausing

covid-19 businesses

Small and medium sized businesses get much needed boost from federal government

Mar 28, 2020 | 5:00 AM

Small and medium-sized businesses in the Peace Region are getting more help from the federal government during the COVID-19 pandemic.

On Friday, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced that small and medium-sized businesses across the country will now be receiving a 75% wage subsidy. A massive jump compared to the 10% wage subsidy that was announced with Canada’s $80 billion stimulus package on Tuesday last week.

“It’s a great announcement for the business community,” said Larry Gibson with the Grande Prairie District Chamber of Commerce. “The 10 percent was a start, but we knew it definitely wasn’t enough. It’s great to see that they made this move.”

This announcement will help small and medium-sized businesses across the country continue to pay their employees without having to lay them off during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Gibson admits the announcement caught him a little off guard.

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“We’ve been advocating to the chamber and chambers around the country for some support. To go right to 75% in this quick of a time frame is a little bit surprising, but certainly, it is a welcome benefit,” said Gibson.

Gibson tells EverythingGP that the chamber should know more information about how the program will be rolled out on Monday.