As Ottawa has changed Employment Insurance rules to help laid off workers amid the COVID-19 pandemic, there is now help for businesses that are forced to shut their doors.

The North Shore Business Improvement Association remains hopeful that legislation announced by the Federal Government on Wednesday, will help business owners in the Kamloops area.

Executive Director Jeremy Heighton said while businesses in Kamloops are in competition, they are united in their support for each other.

“There are potentially some businesses which may close their doors for a few day or a few weeks or whatever may be but we need to work together to support all of our businesses so our local community members will be able to emerge from this short term situation with long term success in mind,” he said.

Heighton pointed out that while all of the NSBIA’s events have been postponed, they still have to be planned and most of their workers are able to work remotely.

On Wednesday, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced an $82-billion economic package, which includes a wage subsidy for small business owners to help keep staff on the payroll during the COVID-19 slowdown.

It includes $27 billion in direct support to Canadian workers and businesses. There will also be $55 billion to help Canadians meet liquidity needs through tax deferrals.