Chris Warkentin, Member of Parliament for Grande Prairie – Mackenzie, raised concern for the future of small businesses and workers in the Peace Country and across Canada during the Coronavirus
pandemic.
“We need to put more money back in the pockets of Canadians in this unprecedented time,” Warkentin said. “Small businesses need support in order to survive, and workers need to know that they can pay their bills.”
“Conservatives are supporting the government’s emergency legislation, but we believe that the response has fallen short of meeting the needs of workers and small businesses in the Peace Country and across Canada.”
“I am calling on the federal government to increase support for small businesses and workers, by:
• Significantly increasing the wage subsidy to protect workers;
• Refunding all GST remittances to the small businesses that collected them in at least the last
six months; and
• Backstopping banks that extend low interest loans to small businesses.”
“I have heard from many businesses in the Peace Country about the catastrophic drop in revenue forcing many to temporarily lay off workers. This will have a devastating impact on thousands of local families if the government doesn’t respond to the crisis developing in most small businesses.”
“This is the time for Canadians to work together. I am taking inspiration from folks in the Peace Country that are looking out for their neighbours. In Ottawa, Conservatives have Canadians’ backs. We will be putting forward solutions that will help workers and small businesses weather this crisis.”