CALGARY -- Business groups say pandemic recovery should be the newly re-elected Liberal government's top priority.
The Canadian Chamber of Commerce says politicians must 'get back to work' after Monday's election. It says the problems that faced small businesses prior to the campaign are now more urgent due to the fourth wave of COVID-19.
The Chamber wants targeted support for hard-hit industries like tourism and hospitality. It wants the Trudeau minority government to extend wage subsidy and rent relief programs for businesses still affected by pandemic-related restrictions.
The food service industry is asking for partial debt relief forgovernment-backed loans. Restaurants Canada says eight out of 10 food service operators have taken on debt due to the COVID-19 crisis.
Restaurants Canada also wants help addressing an ongoing labour shortage made worse by COVID-19. It wants immigration programs expanded to help restaurants fill job vacancies.
The Liberal Party promised during the campaign to extend the Canada Recovery Hiring Program. The program is meant to help employers with re-opening by offsetting the costs of hiring more staff or increasing wages.
