Canadian businesses continue to struggle amid pandemic

Now that we're approaching four weeks of additional restrictions for Toronto, Peel Region, and Ottawa--and three weeks for York Region--many businesses are feeling the effects.
According to a recent survey from the Canadian Federation of Independent Businesses (CFIB), 66 per cent of Canadian businesses are currently open, compared to 72 per cent two weeks ago.
Additionally, 42 per cent are fully staffed, compared to 48 per cent two weeks ago, while 28 per cent are making normal sales, compared to 30 per cent two weeks ago.
“It is concerning to see small business recovery take a step back just as we enter the holiday shopping season. Many businesses rely on the next several weeks to earn a significant proportion of their revenues. This year, that will be especially critical, as small businesses have suffered extensive losses,” Corinne Pohlmann, senior vice-president of National Affairs at CFIB, said in a news release.
Further, only 11 per cent of hospitality businesses--such as restaurants and hotels--are currently open, while only 9 per cent of arts and recreation businesses--such as gyms and venues--are currently open.
“Shopping small is its own reward: you get the satisfaction of supporting the local economy, keeping good jobs in the community and finding great services and products,” Pohlmann said.
“I would encourage all Canadians to nominate their favourite small business and in doing so, we will reward one small business supporter every week until November 29," she added.
Related
- Less than one-third of small businesses' sales have returned to pre-pandemic levels: survey
- Nearly 20 per cent of Canadian businesses target of cyberattack
- Small businesses already seeing drop in sales due to COVID-19: CFIB survey
- Pandemic threatens to further gulf between big and small businesses
- Canadian small businesses rack up $135 billion in debt to survive pandemic: Report
Trending
- Mississauga men celebrating big lotto wins as the machine froze
- Sikh, Hindu dispute over Indian politics boils over in Brampton
- The Cake Boss is coming to Canada with a brand new location in Mississauga
- Loopholes still allow international travellers to "collect your luggage and leave" at Pearson Airport in Mississauga
- Wayne Gretzky remembers his father, Walter, as man with ‘a heart of gold’ at funeral
Your Comments