Durham asks Trudeau, Ford for urgent help

Whitby: Head of the Regional Municipality of Durham, John Henry, has asked for urgent federal and provincial help in sustaining regional businesses impacted by the closures forced by Covid-19 pandemic.

Business needs include financial assistance for fixed costs, tax relief and extension to government deadlines, said Henry yesterday in a letter addressed to Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Doug Ford, Ontario Premier.

“We are writing to share the urgent concerns of our business community and the need for immediate action,” wrote Henry.

“Many businesses are suffering financial impacts. The lost revenue or cancelled services are causing extreme uncertainty. Some business owners are worried about permanent closures,” Henry pointed out.

Additional layoffs imminent

“Several local businesses have already reduced staffing levels and with continuing decrease in demand for services, additional layoffs are imminent,” he said.

“Business owners are concerned about the long-term effects of this crisis on their staff, including the health impacts of stress, the financial impacts of reduced wages, the overall fear of returning to work, and the impact on their families,” Henry said.

The regional chair said business owners need support. “They need guidance on how to handle benefits and time off for both their employees, and in some cases, themselves. They need guidance on how to continue to respond to and support their staff, develop business continuity plans and general direction about how to access existing and emerging government supports.

Urgent help needed

“Our business community urgently needs help from all  levels of government,” Henry said adding, “We are asking our federal and provincial partners to work with us to support our local businesses with interim measures to get through this period of uncertainty.”

Henry recommended implementation of programs such as immediate and long-term loans to ensure businesses can be maintained.

He said extension of tax deadlines can also help reduce stress for business owners.

Stimulate business  activity

Henry said long-term programs that provide financial relief and stimulate business  activity, will be necessary to ensure the future of the Durham business community.

The letter was based on “several hundred responses” to a business community survey conducted with Durham Chambers of Commerce and Boards of Trade as well as municipal economic development staff.

Reassurance to residents

The region is working on strategies to promote the support of local businesses, while ensuring that residents are still social distancing and preventing transmission. Staff are working to promote a variety of no-contact delivery options available to residents for locally produced food.

Durham Region residents should follow trusted sources of information to stay informed, said a municipal statement.

“The people and businesses are what help to make our region so vibrant. That’s why I encourage everyone to take a moment: be a good neighbor and check in on your loved ones often, utilizing digital channels or phone to stay connected. In the community, the region is doing everything it can to support our local businesses. This includes advocating for immediate financial support—for all businesses and their employees—from the provincial and federal governments. We will get through this—together,” Henry said.

READ MORE AT COVID-19

 

Share with:


Leave a Reply