Survey results from the Canadian Federation of Independent Business shows that Saskatchewan business owners need more help in order to cover rent during the pandemic.

The survey asked business owners whether they qualify or not for the Canada Emergency Commercial Rent Assistance program.

31 per cent of respondents said they don’t qualify because they don’t meet the 70 per cent revenue loss criteria, while 21 per cent shared they do qualify, but they are unsure if their landlord will participate.

Marilyn Braun-Pollon with CFIB says it’s good that the federal government is offering this, but there needs to be more resources available.

Braun-Pollon says there are a lot of concerns around the program, including it being extremely complicated. She says it’s a really tough program to even understand.

Braun-Pollon said it’s concerning that only 1 in 10 commercial tenants who need help qualify for the program.
[ckrm may 1 2020]