While the province’s response to the pandemic has proven effective to flatten the curve, critics say government is not taking into account the economic hardship brought about by public health measures.
Premier Dwight Ball says when we’re ready to reopen it must be done safely to protect the most vulnerable in the province.
He adds keeping the cases low via the alert level system while ensuring businesses reopen safely is the top priority.
He says going back to a previous alert level would hurt the business community, as is now being seen in New Brunswick. He says being strategic about reopening is key to preventing setbacks.
Opposition Criticizes Rent Relief Program
Meanwhile, the opposition says the rent relief program is doing little to help support small and medium-sized businesses in the province.
Landlords can reduce their rent by a minimum of 75 per cent in order to qualify for the Canada Emergency Commercial Rent Assistance, but PC Finance Critic Tony Wakeham says many businesses do not qualify, or their landlord is not willing to participate.
Premier Dwight Ball says the issue is making sure the rent gets paid, and people do not get evicted.
Ball says government is seeing a number of things: landlords who do not want to give up 25 per cent of the rent, and tenants who would rather be given the money directly to pay for rent.
Wakeham says the best people to negotiate with landlords are the tenants – not the federal or provincial government.
Wakeham says he asked the premier last week how many businesses have been able to take advantage of the program, but that he did not have an answer.