Chamber Reacts to Extension of CEBA Repayment

(Toronto – September 15, 2023) – Today, the Ontario Chamber of Commerce’s (OCC) President and CEO, Rocco Rossi, released the following statement in response to the Government of Canada’s announcement regarding the extended deadlines for Canada Emergency Business Account (CEBA) loan repayments:

“Small business owners across the province continue to grapple with compounding effects from the pandemic, including labour shortages, declining employee mental health, rising inflation, and repayment of debt.

“Yesterday’s announcement by the Government of Canada was a step in the right direction in support of Ontario’s business community who, during the most challenging times, demonstrated resilience and resolve. While businesses appreciate the extension, those hardest hit will continue to face challenges over the next coming weeks and months, given the shorter-than-expected extension to the interest-free repayment period.

“More action is needed to ensure that Canada’s small business community can fully recover. The Ontario Chamber of Commerce looks forward to working with the Government of Canada on this and other matters important to Ontario business.”

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About the Ontario Chamber of Commerce
The Ontario Chamber of Commerce (OCC) is the indispensable partner of business and Canada’s largest, most influential provincial chamber. It is an independent, not-for-profit advocacy and member services organization representing a diverse network of 60,000 members. The OCC’s mission is to convene, align and advance the interests of its members through principled policy work, value-added business services and broad engagement to drive competitiveness and economic growth in the province.

For more information, please contact:
Samir Janmohamed
Policy and Public Affairs Specialist
Ontario Chamber of Commerce
2105-180 Dundas Street West, Toronto ON M5G 1Z8
samirjanmohamed@occ.ca | 647-882-9878