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Ontario Continues to Support Restaurants During COVID-19 Pandemic

Province Helping to Offset Fixed Costs and Permitting Alcohol with Delivery and Takeout Food Orders

News.Ontario.ca
Oct. 14, 2020

The Ontario government is encouraging everyone to support local restaurants and the food services industry during COVID-19. Last week, the province introduced additional targeted public health measures in Toronto, Ottawa and Peel Region in consultation with the Chief Medical Officer of Health and other health experts to help slow the spread of the virus. Over the next 28 days, indoor food and drink service at restaurants, bars and other food and drink establishments in these regions will be prohibited, but they may continue to offer takeout, delivery and outdoor dining.

Today, Premier Doug Ford, Christine Elliot, Deputy Premier and Minister of Health, and Prabmeet Sarkaria, Associate Minister of Small Business and Red Tape Reduction, were at Mamma Martino's Restaurant in Etobicoke to highlight government support for the industry.

"Families and entrepreneurs across Ontario have poured their hearts into local restaurants and diners. They've been there for us, from donating to charities to sponsoring little league sports," said Premier Ford. "To support them during these tough times, our government is making millions available to provide relief for fixed costs. I'm also calling on everyone in Ontario to rally around our small businesses by ordering takeout or delivery. Together, we can make a huge difference."

To provide relief for local restaurants and other businesses impacted by the new public health measures, Ontario announced $300 million to help offset fixed costs, including property taxes, hydro and natural gas bills.

The government is also supporting small business through its Main Street Recovery Plan by:

"Small businesses account for 98 per cent of all businesses across the province and employ close to 2.4 million hardworking Ontarians. That's why their recovery, including those in the food service sector, is so critical to Ontario's recovery," said Minister Sarkaria. "During the good times, our restaurants have given us a place to gather as family and friends -- to build memories. We must continue to show them what they mean to our communities. All Ontarians can support their local businesses by celebrating #TakeoutDay -- today, tomorrow, and any day of the week."

Quick Facts

Ontario’s COVID-19 Economic Recovery Act is laying the foundation to restart jobs and development, strengthen communities, and create opportunity for people in every region of the province.