A Restaurants Canada survey estimates there were about 25,000 temporary layoffs for food service workers in Saskatchewan, and about 800,000 across the country.

Spokesperson Mark von Schellwitz expects some may not get their jobs back if the current conditions continue with the pandemic. He explains that with no revenue, restaurants are struggling to pay rent and other bills. Nearly 10% of restaurants have already closed permanently and another 18% may do the same in the near future.

That’s why Restaurants Canada is advocating for help from the government for owners through rent relief, to make sure commercial tenants aren’t evicted. New Brunswick has announced this support and von Schellwitz is hoping other provinces will follow suit.

He adds that even before COVID-19, the industry was struggling because of the economic trickle down from the energy sector experiencing challenges and in 2017, the province added a 6% tax on restaurant meals. Von Schellwitz says the restaurant industry is actually Saskatchewan’s third largest private sector employer, so its health is important to the economy.