A local business owner is appealing to the government for stronger action, in the face of rapidly rising COVID-19 case numbers.

Peter Garden owns Turning the Tide book store just off Broadway in Saskatoon and says that you can see from watching neighbouring provinces that the case numbers are quickly getting out of control threatening to force a full lock down during a critical time of year for small business.

Garden says they found a new way to do business in the first lock down in the spring which included shifting to online shopping and developing an effective curbside pick-up and delivery system. For the safety of his staff and customers they have taken the initiative to follow that path once again. He is encouraging other business owners, which can, to do the same and describes it as showing leadership in difficult times.

For those that can’t go online, like bars, restaurants and gyms, Garden would like to see more government support to cover expenses when restrictions increase. He also calls on members of the public to put every dollar possible into support local businesses during the holiday season.