The CEO of the Sarnia-Lambton Chamber of Commerce calls Ontario's paid sick day program "a step in the right direction" but says more needs to be done.
The province is legislating three paid sick days for Ontario workers and is doubling the payments for the federal work program. The sick day coverage will be in place until September 25 with businesses being reimbursed by the government.
Allan Calvert said if the pandemic isn't over by then, the initiative needs to be extended to help businesses.
"They cannot afford additional financial responsibility to fund sick leave at this time," said Calvert. "We support the notion of a temporary paid sick program that is paid by the government, for the duration of the pandemic at least. Any paid sick day program must be fully and immediately accessible to workers who need it with a quick and seamless reimbursement for the employers."
Calvert said there are still issues with the Ontario Small Business Grant.
He said businesses have been complaining about a lack of communication and clarity, technical issues, and short time frames to submit an application.
Calvert said the proposed provincial top-up to the Canada Recovery Sickness Benefit is encouraging but doesn't address shortcomings of the federal program such as processing delays.