Mississauga, Ontario – April 1st, 2021 — Today, the Mississauga Board of Trade (MBOT) expressed its deep disappointment on the Government of Ontario’s decision to extend the Grey-Lockdown zone in Peel and further shutter businesses throughout Ontario.

 

“This announcement is yet another blow to hundreds of businesses in Mississauga that will not be able to re-open for the foreseeable future,” said David Wojcik, President & CEO, MBOT. “For some this will mean more than five months of a complete shutdown. The Ontario Government owes these businesses further financial compensation that cannot wait. We understand the need for safety but these businesses have been closed far too long without adequate financial support.”

 

The lockdown once again penalizes personal care services, fitness centres and restaurants, where there has never been evidence of COVID spread being linked to these businesses.

 

MBOT along with the Ontario Chamber of Commerce (OCC) have been calling on Government’s to increase COVID vaccinations and create mobile, drive through and on-site facilities for businesses to vaccinate workers. The OCC stated, “Ontario’s business community is frustrated seeing our Southern neighbours being inoculated while we wait. The lack of vaccine supply means fewer vaccines in arms. Delays in distribution are heavy blows to businesses going through further restrictions and lockdowns. The lack of clarity, consistency, and predictability around what warrants changes in lockdowns adds to this growing frustration in Ontario.”

 

“Another month of this will surely lead to many more businesses closing in Mississauga. Enough is enough. The Federal Government needs to own this debacle and the Provincial government needs to allow business to be an active part of the solution” concluded Mr. Wojcik.

 

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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.

 

Media Contact: 

David Wojcik