‘Light at the end of tunnel has been snuffed out again’: CFIB president on province’s latest restrictions

The Canadian Federation of Independent Business says the light at the end of the tunnel has been snuffed out for many small businesses due to the spread of the Omicron variant.

In recent weeks, the rapid spread of the variant has spread across the country in record numbers, including Nova Scotia which has seen among the highest positivity rates.

Recently, the province announced it would be furthering restrictions that would reduce capacity limits for restaurants, bars, fitness facilities, and retail businesses, among others.

CFIB president Dan Kelly told CityNews Halifax this has been a very difficult time for small business owners.

“At some point, we're going to have to let businesses try to make money from the marketplace, or we're going to have to continue to provide supports to them until all the restrictions can be lifted,” said Kelly.

“We're still very much seeing fresh restrictions added after hundreds and hundreds of days of business restrictions from the past two years. The little light at the end of the tunnel has been snuffed again for many businesses.”

On Wednesday, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced government supports that would expand its definition of a pandemic lockdown in order to make more businesses and workers eligible for financial assistance.

Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland said these supports will be able to help workers and businesses that see capacity restricted by 50 per cent or more.

Kelly said although this is an improvement, but adds this doesn't help businesses who are losing customers due to fear of Omicron rather than capacity issues.