New Democrats want Ford to extend CEBA, a federal loan program, until the end of 2024. 

By Pepper Parr

January 15th, 2024

BURLINGTON, ON

Marit Stiles, Leader of the Official Opposition NDP, joined MPP Kristyn Wong-Tam (Toronto Centre), Critic for Small Business, and local business leaders to call for support as businesses face an existential threat from looming federal loan deadline amidst a growing affordability crisis.

Leader of the NDP Opposition wants province to extend a federal loan program. What?

“This should be a wake-up call for the provincial government,” said Stiles. “Ford’s Conservatives are quick to extend lifelines to billion-dollar big box stores while leaving small business owners in the lurch. We implore this government to work with small business owners – not against them – to explore other ways we can support them in this difficult economy, step in before it’s too late for Ontario’s small businesses.”

Stiles and Wong-Tam called on the province to join the NDP’s call for an extension of the CEBA loan deadline until the end of 2024.

“CEBA was a life raft for small businesses during an incredibly difficult time,” said Wong-Tam. “The province is not powerless here; let’s work together to connect small businesses to more Ontario-made supply chains to further boost our economy and keep jobs in our province. And it’s time we start looking much more closely at commercial rent control to help save Ontario’s main streets from closure after closure after closure.”

Instead of supporting small businesses, Ford’s Conservatives are rewarding their corporate CEO friends at Shoppers, Staples, and Walmart.

On a personal note it took me mere minutes to register and by a Presto pass at a Shoppers Drug Mart.