The North Bay and area business community got the opportunity to find out more about what federal and provincial programs are available to help them deal with COVID-19 and its impact it has had on their business.
The COVID-19 Recovery Readiness conference call on Friday included participation from MPP Vic Fedeli, MP Anthony Rota and Mayor Al McDonald.
Close to 300 people took in the online event. There were opportunities to submit questions which had to be sent in the day before.
Fedeli believes right now the priority is enabling everyone to still be able to purchase food and to pay their mortgage or rent.
“If you’re a low income senior and there are gains in the annual income supplement. They’re automatically doubling and you won’t have to apply for that. If you’re a student the OSAP interest and principal are suspended,” Fedeli said to CKAT.
Rota says many federal programs have been put together in the first few weeks of the crisis.
“Whether it’s income replacement or help for families through the family benefit plan. We’re increasing that and we’re making sure there is income for people as we go through this time,” Rota said.
McDonald says the three levels of government are working together so that the public knows what programs are available and where to go to get the right information.
McDonald insists all three governments are dealing with the current situation but also planning for the day that business does return to normal.
