Thank you.
You heard in my earlier comments that one in five business licences is not being renewed. In my city, many small businesses, including the ones along Locke Street, saw their 2019 revenues dramatically reduced because of a nearly year-long municipal infrastructure project that was completely out of their control, with the replacement of sewers and drain lines and the repaving of roads and sidewalks. It significantly stretched businesses financially. When COVID hit in 2020, these businesses were unable to demonstrate the required drop in year-to-year revenues to qualify for support programs such as the wage subsidy.
Was any consideration given to providing extended eligibility to businesses whose 2019 revenues were artificially low because of factors beyond their control?
This is for Mr. Sabia. It's an analysis question for the Department of Finance.