(rdnewsNOW file photo)

By Josh Hall (Twitter: @Vancan19)

alternate plan

Notley’s NDP proposes Jobs Plan for businesses and charities

Apr 10, 2020 | 12:58 PM

Alberta’s Opposition NDP says its proposed Jobs Plan would go above and beyond what the UCP have announced thus far.

Leader Rachel Notley announced the short-term plan on Thursday, with the goal being to protect Albertans’ jobs, while supporting struggling small businesses, charities and non-profits during COVID-19.

“We are facing an economic crisis,” said Notley. “We can’t afford to continue to sit back and watch more Albertans lose their livelihoods. We need bold action and we need it now.”

Notley says the UCP’s plan to defer taxes, loans and utility payments is not enough and will add to debt. In the meantime, she notes, businesses could be waiting a significant amount of time to receive the federal 75 per cent wage subsidy.

The NDP’s plan includes:

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• An emergency rent subsidy up to a maximum of $10,000.
• A government backstop of up to $7,500 for landlords who agree to defer rent for three months for businesses during the pandemic. Businesses will have the ability to pay back the amount owing over the subsequent 18 months.
• Insurance premium freeze retroactive to March 18, 2020 and a 50 per cent reduction for insurance premiums until December 31, 2020.
• $5,000 to help small businesses adapt to the business environment created by the pandemic and introduce new technology to continue operating.
• A $10 million guarantee for festivals that support small businesses.

“Support from the federal government is still weeks away and the UCP have not done enough to support small businesses or to protect the people who work for them,” Notley continues. “The plan we have developed would put cash in the hands of small business owners so they can keep their businesses afloat right now, and succeed when conditions return to normal.”

The NDP also note that according to the Canadian Federation of Independent Businesses, one-third of Alberta businesses do not have enough cash flow to pay this month’s bills, and close to half are facing the threat of permanent closure.