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Perth County Warden and mayors share concerns about COVID supports

Perth County's Warden, along with the mayors of Stratford and St. Marys, are appealing to the province on behalf of small businesses that haven't qualified for financial supports.

The supports were put in place for COVID-19 relief.

In a release Thursday, Jim Aitcheson, Dan Mathieson and Al Strathdee say many haven't qualified.

For example, area Bed and Breakfasts and Hotels/Motels are deemed ineligible.

And with provincial pandemic health and safety policies in place, the three municipal leaders say that has prevented these type of small, but what they consider essential businesses, from operating during the shutdowns.

In addition, the trio points to the seasonal nature of tourism within Stratford, St. Marys and Perth County. And using year-over-year April sales as the criteria month for eligibility precludes many small tourism businesses from support.

The Ontario Small Business Support Grant application deadline is March 31.

The warden and the two mayors are asking the province to adjustment the eligibility criteria to provide a lifeline to regional accommodation businesses.

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