OTTAWA – Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Economic Development Minister Melanie Joly are expected to disclose more details for emergency support for small businesses today. The federal government through Canada’s six regional economic development agencies, including FEDNOR for Northwestern Ontario, will share in almost $1 billion in emergency aid.
The Prime Minister several weeks ago announced the Regional Relief and Recovery Fund which will get $962 million into small businesses, however at that time, there were not many specifics.
Across Northwestern Ontario, many small to medium-sized businesses, especially in tourism and transportation have been seriously impacted.
While Ontario has started the process of re-opening retail businesses, the tourism and transportation sectors which are and will remain seriously impacted by travel restrictions, including the border closure which the Prime Minister has said will remain closed for now, are looking at financial problems that could result in the permanent closure of some businesses.
