Many of Alberta’s small businesses are waiting for the provincial government to announce details of its economic relaunch strategy and the Canadian Federation of Independent Business is calling on the Alberta government to think like a small business when balancing the health and economic considerations of finalizing its strategy.
“While small business owners understand the importance of putting the health and well-being of Albertans first, we know many are anxious to get back to business,” said Annie Dormuth, CFIB Alberta provincial affairs director, in a news release. “As restrictions are gradually lifted businesses will need additional help to adjust to a new economic reality and be able to operate while following safe health practices and guidelines.
“Alberta’s economic relaunch strategy must ensure small businesses have a clear path forward and allows them time to prepare for a phased reopening. We are committed to working closely with the government to ensure small businesses are ready to reopen safely based on clear guidelines on safe health practices that they can use with their staff and customers.”
The CFIB said more than 17 per cent of Alberta’s small businesses are completely closed, and 49 per cent are partially closed. The organization said it’s important any plan ensures small businesses are ready when they are allowed to reopen.
Here are some survey results on what Alberta small business owners will need in the province’s economic relaunch strategy:
- 57 per cent support a campaign that encourages consumers to shop at local businesses;
- 56 per cent want continued financial help is needed;
- 56 per cent want clear plain language guidance on safe health practices that they can use with staff and customers;
- 53 per cent support regular assurance from health officials/government that it is safe to work and shop again; and
- 36 per cent want access to personal protective equipment (such as masks, face shields, gloves, plastic screens at cash registers).
