'Sorry, we're closed' sign. June 2020. (Photo by Alan Levine from Pxhere)'Sorry, we're closed' sign. June 2020. (Photo by Alan Levine from Pxhere)
Windsor

Business group blasts Ford government over latest lockdown

Calling Ontario the "Lockdown Capital of North America," the Canadian Federation of Independent Business is "incredibly disappointed" the Ford government has imposed a third lockdown to control the pandemic.

"Here we go again. Nine hours' notice for a province-wide stay-at-home order. Less than half a day to talk to employees, call suppliers, and get your curbside operation back up and running," said Director of Provincial Affairs Ryan Mallough. "To add insult to injury, no additional supports have been announced."

It said the lockdown unfairly targets small businesses and will drive consumers to big box stores and online shopping.

"Evidence suggests that large, congregate workplaces are the source of COVID-19 spread -- not small shops, salons, restaurants or gyms," said President Dan Kelly. "It is time for a new strategy that includes rapid testing, targeted vaccinations for essential workers, and capacity limits."

The Ford government did announce this week it would vaccinate essential workers in so-called "hot spots" across the province, and big box stores are restricted in what they can sell, but talk of rapid testing in retail and recreation has been non-existent.

"This will not fully address the problem as the new policy of only allowing essential goods to be sold in person will simply push more volume to Amazon and other online retail giants, despite growing reports it is these very large warehouses where COVID-19 is spreading," added Kelly.

"You'd think the third time around we'd have figured out what doesn't work, but here we are trying the same thing," said Mallough.

The federation claims restaurants have been closed for in-person dining for over 300 days since the pandemic began. Gyms have been closed for just less than 300 days, while salons have been shuttered 227 days, and retail for 161.

Crowd outside of Family Kitchen restaurant in Leamington (via Henry Hildebrandt on Facebook) Crowd outside of Family Kitchen restaurant in Leamington (via Henry Hildebrandt on Facebook)

The lockdowns have been met with protest by small businesses and consumers, as evidenced this week in Leamington when hundreds of people gathered in front of Family Kitchen.

The federation claims 81 per cent of small business owners think the government needs to be more creative, and 63 per cent say they would consider using COVID-19 rapid testing in their workplace if it would help their operation stay open.

It recommends using rapid testing for workers and customers to allow for by-appointment services at hair and nail salons, one-on-one gym training, and other personal service businesses. It wants a third round of the Ontario Small Business Support Grand and limit closures to those businesses experiencing an active outbreak.

"Small businesses are already stretched to the breaking point. Shutting them down yet again, while we have better, more precise tools at our disposal, is nothing short of cruel," concluded Kelly.

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