Amherst businesses waiting to reopen

AMHERST — Mikhial Mansour is looking forward to reopening his Amherst men's clothing store, but it's not something he wants to rush into.

“We don't want to open, then have to close again in two weeks,” said Mansour.

Mansour was among a group of Amherst area businesspeople who participated in a Zoom session this week with Cumberland North MLA Elizabeth Smith-mccrossin and representatives from the Amherst and Area Chamber of Commerce and the Cumberland County Business Connector.

Mansour's Men's Wear, which has been in business in Amherst for 96 years, closed its store in March when the provincial government put in place a number of restrictions to control the spread of COVID-19.

The company has maintained an online presence that has helped minimize the impact and Mansour said staff is getting ready to reopen, but it's not there yet.

As much as the border with New Brunswick being closed has been an inconvenience, Mansour said it and the other measures put in place here and across the border have been effective at preventing the spread of the virus and he appreciates the work of government and public health officials in both provinces.

“I think it has stopped a lot of cases from developing,” he said. “We have a lot of customers in New Brunswick and we appreciate their support, but right now health is the priority.”

During Monday's session, that included approximately 20 participants, there was a feeling that whenever the province chooses to reopen the economy it needs to have clear and concise rules for business to follow as well as customers.

There was also a feeling Nova Scotia needs to co-ordinate the border opening with New Brunswick with the belief there's not much reason to open it in one direction without opening it in the other.

“I heard loud and clear that business wants a clear plan from government,” Smithmccrossin said. “They want to make sure the rules are clear and concise. Plans should be put in place that put health and safety first. I was really encouraged to hear that business owners are putting their customers and their staff first and making sure they are all safe.”

“Business owners want to see collaboration among the three provinces, including Prince Edward Island,” Smith-mccrossin said.

But in Tuesday's media briefing, Premier Mcneil said it's unlikely the reopening of the Nova Scotia economy will line up with New Brunswick.

“We will continue to be engaged with New Brunswick and our sister provinces across the country when the economy of our province opens up,” Mcneil said. “At this point I don't believe that border will be opened up at the same time as our economy opens up.”