Province urged to waive sales tax during lockdown

MPP Smith hears from local businesses on how Queen’s Park can help

A local business owner says the Ontario government should waive the provincial sales tax for a limited time on small businesses forced to close in the lockdowns — and not offer that same tax break to customers at big box stores that have been allowed to remain open.

Friendly Fires co-owner Alex Soubliere took part in a virtual town hall with PeterboroughKawartha MPP Dave Smith on Tuesday where business owners were asked for ideas on how the provincial government might be able to help support businesses in the COVID -19 pandemic.

Soubliere mentioned that his stores, which sell barbecues and fireplaces, had to close while big box stores selling similar products were allowed to stay open in the lockdowns.

Although the government is helping retailers with rent and energy bills, Soubliere said a provincial sales tax break for small retailers would attract customers and truly help.

“We don’t want handouts — we just want a fair playing field where we can compete,” he said.

Smith is holding a series of town hall meetings in early January, ahead of the government’s March budget.

On Monday Smith heard from the hospitality sector, while on Tuesday the town hall was for storefront and mall business owners.

The virtual gathering on Tuesday was open to all but sparsely attended, with seven people total — two business owners spoke.

Ruth Cheng, co-owner of CrossFit PTBO, said it’s unfortunate her gym is forced to close in the lockdown when she’s offering a place to enhance wellness.

“How is someone’s physical or mental health not essential?” she asked.

Cheng also said it’s concerning that big box stores can remain open but her gym cannot — even though she’s invested in equipment for meticulous cleaning and redesigned the layout for better physical distancing.

Meanwhile people can still travel here from hot spots or shop in big box stores, she pointed out, calling it “super frustrating.”

Smith said he can’t change the conditions of the lockdown and that the provincial government

cannot prohibit travel within Ontario (that would fall under federal law, he said). But he did mention a place such as CrossFit PTBO qualifies for aid, such as rent relief in this lockdown.

Rhonda Keenan, the president and CEO of Peterborough and the Kawarthas Economic Development, said many retailers are looking to stimulate sales because the lockdown occurred on Dec. 26 — meaning they lost out on Boxing Day sales.

The next town hall is Wednesday at 1 p.m. for the arts and culture sector. There are three more to follow for child care providers and for parents of school-age and high school students. Receive log-in information and confirmation by registering at davesmithptbo.com/ virtual_townhalls_2021_covid-19.