Chamber Calls for Long-Term Plan and Enhanced Supports Amid Concerns about Omicron

(Toronto – December 16, 2021) – Today, Rocco Rossi, President & CEO, Ontario Chamber of Commerce, released the following statement in reaction to Canada’s travel advisory against non-essential travel and Ontario’s latest public health measures announced this week in response to the Omicron variant.

“As we have said from the beginning, transparency and clear communication from all levels of government are critical for business predictability and confidence in public health measures during this time.

“Long-term planning that ties future restrictions to clear, evidence-based metrics is important to ensure businesses can plan ahead. Fears of the Omicron variant will inevitably impact consumer confidence and reduce foot traffic to those small businesses who need our support the most right now.

“Any public policies that inhibit tourism or consumer confidence should be met with proportionate support programs, loan forgiveness, and loan extensions to small businesses who are still struggling at this time.”

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About the Ontario Chamber of Commerce

For more than a century, the Ontario Chamber of Commerce (OCC) has been the independent, non-partisan, indispensable partner of Ontario business. The OCC’s mission is to support economic growth in Ontario by defending business priorities at Queen’s Park on behalf of its network’s diverse 60,000 members.

For more information, please contact:
Michelle Eaton
Vice President, Public Affairs
michelleeaton@occ.ca| Mobile: (647) 261-4594