Only 30 per cent of small businesses in Saskatchewan remain fully open.

The Canadian Federation of Independent Business says 26 per cent don’t have the funds to pay April bills and 44 per cent are worried about permanent closure. Saskatchewan spokesperson with the CFIB, Marilyn Braun-Pollon (poe lun), says while they are pleased with the relief measure announced so far by both the provincial and federal government, more help is needed.

The three challenges are relief being too slow for bills due now, people are falling through the eligibility cracks and too much relief in the form of deferrals and loans. Braun-Pollon says it is difficult enough for these small businesses without having a mountain of debt once the pandemic is over.

The CFIB has a number of recommendations including rent subsidies from provincial governments, temporary protections to ensure commercial tenants aren’t evicted, and making the Canada Emergency Business Account loans available as possible while eliminating the payroll test and making the $10-thousand forgivable portion a grant with a minimum of qualification criteria and red tape.