B.C.’s Minister of Jobs and Economic Recovery says businesses that have defied COVID-19 public safety orders will not be eligible for support under the province’s Closure Relief Grant.
Ravi Kahlon says he understands why some gyms want to stay open, but he also adds it is disappointing that they have all chosen to defy orders.
“We have built in an auditing system to ensure those businesses that have defied orders will not be able to get access to these supports and we’re going to follow through on that,” he said Wednesday. “To those majority of businesses that have followed the orders, this grant is available. We’re here to support you.”
Last week, a pair of gyms in Kamloops were fined $2,300 each for defying the order which required gyms and nightclubs to be closed until Jan. 18 because of a rising number of COVID cases. Provincial Health Officer, Dr. Bonnie Henry, has hinted at an extension of the restrictions beyond that date.
Kahlon meanwhile notes the grant has been fast-tracked, adding that the more than 3,000 businesses that are eligible can apply for up to $10,000 to help pay for things like rent, wages, and utilities. The program, he says, is designed to compliment existing federal programs.
“For instance a gym with five employees could receive up to $5,000 of non-repayable grant, and because of the recent changes by the federal government could also receive wage and rent supports for up to 75 per cent through the federal government’s local lockdown program,” Kahlon added.
“Their employees can now also apply for [$300 through] the Federal Worker Lockdown benefit.”
Kahlon says when fully expensed, this new grant program will cost the provincial government about $10 million.
“B.C. businesses have remained resilient throughout the pandemic and have adapted in more ways than one to keep people safe and healthy,” Kahlon added, in a statement. “I continue to urge everyone to support local businesses where you can, and know that our business community needs us, as we need it. Let’s work together, and we will get through this once again.”
Eligible businesses looking to apply for the grant can do so here.
