VICTORIA (December 21, 2021)
With new health orders announced for the province, the BC Liberals are calling on the NDP government to immediately provide circuit-breaker supports for impacted businesses to stay afloat.
“It’s simply astounding how the NDP has once again introduced restrictions with no corresponding supports in place for affected businesses,” said MLA Todd Stone, BC Liberal Critic for Jobs, Economic Recovery and Innovation. “Only four days ago, businesses were promised there would be no new restrictions put in place before Christmas, but now they are being dealt another unexpected blow without the financial supports they and their staff will need to get through the holidays.”
Under the new restrictions, all liquor-primary bars, nightclubs and gyms, fitness centers and dance studios will be closed and all indoor gatherings in event spaces, banquet halls, hotels and restaurants will be cancelled.
“John Horgan promised he wouldn’t put the cost of paid sick days on to struggling small businesses during a pandemic. He broke that promise earlier this year but with Omicron spreading rapidly, it’s time for him to honour that original promise and pay for those sick days which are coming into effect in January,” added MLA Greg Kyllo, BC Liberal Critic for Labour. “We’re going to continue to advocate for the employers and employees across this province who are struggling right now and deserve a helping hand to get through another pandemic winter.”
“Countless businesses have already closed down due to NDP’s incompetence and their lack of a plan for future COVID-19 related restrictions,” concluded Stone. “We need to make sure the government provides the resources to keep small businesses going until they can get back on their feet. John Horgan must take decisive action now before it’s too late for the hard-working businesses owners and staff, who are unsure of whether they can hold on for much longer.”
