The Greater Saskatoon Chamber of Commerce says federal programs have been a lifeline for businesses during the pandemic, but there are concerns with uptake and eligibility.

CEO Jason Aebig says during the Municipalities of Saskatchewan convention, the Chamber was able to provide feedback to the Federal government, including a survey that showed about 40% of it’s members had not used any, or portions of, available Federal programs. Aebig says the fact Federal programs are under-subscribed, when they know the need is real, is a concern. He adds they flagged that as an opportunity for the federal government, in partnership with the Chamber and other organizations, to keep pushing and optimizing support programs in all corners of the business community.

Aebig also was able to question the eligibility of many of the programs, saying there is a major gap in support for start-ups, where a business that is one to three years old may show profitability but no income. The programs, Aebig explains, require an applicant to demonstrate or share income as a measurement for eligibility.

Aebig says the Chamber also advocated for Federal investment for VIDO and the John G. Diefenbaker Airport, post pandemic. He explains the Chamber had written directly Minister Jim Carr about VIDO  expansion. Aebig believes the possibility for VIDO to be a major contributor to bio-manufacturing in Canada is an opportunity for the city.

Aebig says to this point there has been no federal funding or relief programs targeted to mid-sized market airports and the need for businesses to bring their products and services to markets outside of Saskatoon, makes the airport essential.

The round-table put on by the Mayor’s office was attended by Saskatoon business and educational leaders. Attendees had the opportunity to sit down, virtually, with Minister Jim Carr, the special representative for the prairies in cabinet. Aebig says the Chamber left the meeting feeling like they had been heard.