Relief grants and rebate programs for businesses
I hope you and your family have been keeping warm and staying safe during these dog days of winter.
Electricity Rate Relief
The Ontario government is providing electricity rate relief to support small businesses, as well as workers and families spending more time at home while the province is in Modified Step Two. For 21 days starting at 12:01 a.m., on January 18, electricity prices were set 24 hours a day at the current off-peak rate of 8.2 cents per kilowatt-hour. This rate will be automatically applied to residential, small businesse and farms who pay regulated rates set by the Ontario Energy Board.
Ramping Up Booster Shots
As you know, the Omicron variant is highly transmissible and I encourage everyone to get your booster shot if eligible. There are appointments available for the booster dose in Scarborough. To book your appointment through Scarborough Health Network, visit scarbvaccine.ca or call 416-438-2911 ext. 5738.
Small Business Relief Grant
The Ontario COVID-19 Small Business Relief Grant will be available for small businesses that are subject to closure under the modified Step Two of the Roadmap to Reopen. It will provide eligible small businesses with a grant payment of $10,000.
Please note that eligible businesses that qualified for the Ontario Small Business Support Grant and received both first and second round payments and are subject to closure under modified Step Two of the Roadmap to Reopen will be pre-screened to verify eligibility and will not need to apply to the new program.
Newly established and newly eligible small businesses will need to apply once the application portal opens in the coming weeks.
Cost Rebate Program
This program will provide eligible businesses that are required to close or reduce capacity with rebate payments for up to 100 per cent of the property tax and energy costs they incur while subject to public health measures in response to the Omicron variant. Eligible businesses required to close for indoor activities, such as restaurants and gyms, will receive a rebate payment equivalent to 100 percent of their costs. Those required to reduce capacity to 50 percent, such as smaller retail stores, will receive a rebate payment equivalent to 50 percent of their costs. A list of eligible businesses will be provided prior to the launch of the application portal. Online applications opened on January 18.
Learn more about these two supports at: vijaythanigasalam.ca/smallbusinessssupports
Celebrating Black History Month
February 1 marks the start of Black History Month – to honour and celebrate the contributions of Black Ontarians. Black history is Canadian history, let’s remember that as we celebrate this month.
Scarborough is home to a number of accomplished Black Canadians who have fearlessly opened doors and broken down barriers in various fields, including science, arts, business, entertainment, sports and more. For example, Phylicia George is a Scarborough-born Olympian competing in both track and field and bobsledding.
In 2018, Phylicia George became the first Black Canadian woman to compete in both the summer and winter Olympics. Phylicia’s accomplishment is one of many talents that have sprung from Scarborough.
During the month, let’s celebrate and educate ourselves on the accomplishments of Ontario’s Black communities and have important conversations on how to better support them. Ontario is proud to have strong Black communities that are vital to our success.I want to thank all the Black Community Leaders in Scarborough – Rouge Park who recognize, cultivate and bring young Black leaders to the forefront.
If you would like to sign up for our weekly e-newsletter please let our office know. If you have any questions or concerns, please reach out to my office via email at vijay.thanigasalam@pc.ola.org or call 416-283-8448.