SMALL BUSINESS AND FARMERS’ MARKETS OPPORTUNITY
I am writing regarding a news article I read in the Vision Newspaper, 27 May 2020: Nouvelle politique de pandemie des marches agricoles. In the article written by Gregg Champlain; he cites Dr. Roumeliotis as stafor operation of farmers’ markets in Eastern Ontario. These regulations, according to the doctor, will only permit, “food vendors.”
How can you allow this discriminatory practice of excluding artisans that rely on this very venue to make a living? The Ontario Provincial Government has allowed large businesses to remain open and sell their entire product line while we have had to suffer huge financial losses during the past three months. I design and manufacture custom furniture and make charcuterie and cutting boards; while I have had to close, every big box store in our community is allowed to sell their product with no restriction nor any competition from the true small business operator. I am including an attachment of a local business that is selling the very item I manufacture, but they are importing their product from Southern Ontario. In addition, the province has allowed nonessential traditional brick and mortar stores with street access to open more than two weeks ago.
I understand the needs to help maintain social distancing; but what is safer: hundreds walking through traditional brick and mortar stores or being in an open-air market where true social distancing and cleaning can be just as equally controlled. I also do not agree with Dr. Roumeliotis’ assertions that farm producers are the only ones in an open-air market that can keep clients safe. He is indicating that artisans are a second-class business, and that we cannot uphold the safety measures adequate for our customers’ safety. I would challenge the Doctor on this assertion! My products and the safety measures that I have had in place long before this pandemic started far surpass the basic measures that stores and produce farmers currently have in place.
I am urging you to reconsider this discriminatory practice and allow us to participate in the farmers’ markets. I would like to discuss with you and Dr. Roumeliotis the very simple measures that can be instituted that would allow all small businesses that rely on markets to reopen.