November 6, 2020
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Mississauga Board of Trade
Disappointed with Provincial Decision
To Hold Peel At RED Level
“It is beyond words why Mississauga continues to be held responsible for the conditions that exist in Peel Region” said David Wojcik, President & CEO of the Mississauga Board of Trade.
Mississauga, Ontario –Today, Ontario Premier Doug Ford placed Peel Region at the Red Control level effective Saturday November 7, 2020 at 12:01 AM. See the Provinces News Release
This announcement comes on the heels of a 28 day modified stage 2 condition which has Mississauga businesses in the hospitality and restaurant sector confused why their sector is being targeted without evidence of being hot spots for COVID 19 .
“It is beyond words why Mississauga continues to be held responsible for the conditions that exist in the Region” said David Wojcik, President & CEO of the Mississauga Board of Trade. “We urge the Premier to employ the same process he did in Windsor Essex when he allowed Windsor to open, amid poor COVID numbers in the region.
The news comes as businesses wait for stalled rent relief from Ottawa and $300M promised by the province which has yet to be released.
“Under these rules, Mississauga could reduce their case count to zero but because Brampton isn’t capable of controlling the spread of COVID-19, Mississauga suffers,” said Wojcik.
As the colder weather ensues, and patios are no longer a viable option for dining, restaurants will be forced to rely on pick-up and delivery methods of service. When the wind blows and the snow flies, fewer patrons will pick up their orders, leaving delivery as a primary mode of getting food to customers. This option can carry up to a 30% commission, which in the restaurant business means no money left to keep the lights on.
The reality is that the new world means that businesses and the economy need to continue to operate in a COVID19 world with appropriate safeguards and measures in place. Prolonged shutdowns will not solve this problem.
It is imperative that Ontario allow restaurants, bars, fitness centres and other indoor facilities to open with strict safety measures and contact tracing methods in place. These businesses will not be able to survive without an opening of their indoor facilities, particularly as we move into the colder weather.
Recently Mississauga Mayor Bonnie Crombie and Chair of Tourism Mississauga Toni Frankfurter wrote to the Premier expressing similar views and seeking the Provincial Government’s support for the hardest hit sectors of the economy in hospitality and tourism.
It is crucial that the Premier show his support for business so Ontario can recover and once again be the economic engine of the nation.
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Media Contact
Brad Butt,
Vice-President, Government & Stakeholder Relations Mississauga Board of Trade
[email protected] 647-745-9748
About the Mississauga Board of Trade
Since being established in 1961, MBOT has played an important leadership role serving and representing the interests of business of all sizes and sectors in our community.
Mississauga is Canada’s sixth largest city and third largest in Ontario – with a population of close to 800,000 residents and over 50,000 businesses employing over 440,000 people, including 60 Fortune 500 Canadian headquarters. Mississauga is where successful companies choose to do business.
MBOT’s large, diverse and active membership has made us one of the most vibrant business associations in Canada.
As the “Voice of Business” we advocate on policy issues that impact local business at all levels of government and are influential in helping to shape policy decisions. MBOT also offers a wide variety of valuable business services and professional development programs, networking events and marketing opportunities, to help business grow, prosper, and get connected.
