Businesses Beg Ford To Loosen Restrictions After 100 Days Of Lockdown In Toronto & Peel

The Canadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB) is calling on Ontario's government to end the lockdown.

On Wednesday, the company released a statement, noting that Toronto and Peel Region have been in lockdown for 100 days.

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Over those days, many small businesses have remained shuttered and have lost income. 

The release states that 30% of small businesses in the province are concerned about closing permanently.

Now, CFIB is calling on Ford to replace the lockdown with other COVID-19 regulations, such as rapid testings and contact tracing. 

"Officials have told small business owners to hang on just a little bit longer, only to have the football pulled away at the last minute each time," read the statement. 

The company also criticized the government for allowing big box stores to remain open during the pandemic.

"Small retailers have been forced to watch their customers buy similar products at Walmart and Costco," they added.

The complaint aims to convince the province to also overhaul the Ontario Small Business Support Grant.

CFIB argues that a single payment of $10,000-$20,000 will not help local businesses that have been "closed 80% of the time" since lockdown started.

However, the Ontario government has stated in the past that they are reopening the province cautiously to help protect residents against COVID-19 virus variants. 

"Our government's number one priority is the safety of all individuals and families, and that's why we are taking a gradual, cautious approach to returning regions to the Framework," stated Christine Elliott, deputy premier and minister of health. 

Both Toronto and Peel are currently under stay-at-home orders until March 8.