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Decentralized Democracy

House Hansard - 210

44th Parl. 1st Sess.
June 9, 2023 10:00AM
Context: House Hansard - 210 - Jun/9/23
Ms. Nathalie Sinclair-Desgagné (Terrebonne, BQ)
  • Jun/9/23 11:54:15 a.m.
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Mr. Speaker, during lockdown at the beginning of the pandemic, the government brought in the emergency business account. It provided loans of up to $60,000, $20,000 of which was forgivable if the loan was paid off by a certain deadline. That was the right thing to do. Some 900,000 business owners needed it. The deadline of December 31 is fast approaching, however, and 40% fear they will be unable to pay off the loan in full, which means they will not qualify for loan forgiveness. This is threatening their survival. Will the government offer them some flexibility?
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Context: House Hansard - 210 - Jun/9/23
Ms. Nathalie Sinclair-Desgagné (Terrebonne, BQ)
  • Jun/9/23 11:55:33 a.m.
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Mr. Speaker, the government has such a habit of letting its work be done by Crown corporations and officials that it cannot even answer its own questions. The deadline of December 31 seemed reasonable at the start of the pandemic. It was believed that the economy could be put on hold and then re-opened, and that that would be the end of it. However, it is just the start for SMEs. The variants prolonged the crisis and led to supply chain problems, skyrocketing costs, labour shortages and empty downtown cores. As a result, with the deadline six months away, 40% of these businesses, or 250,000 companies, may have to close their doors. Will the government let them, if necessary, make repayment plans without losing their subsidies?
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