Deadline for business support program looming 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: March 9, 2022 

QUEEN’S PARK – Haldimand-Norfolk MPP Toby Barrett is reminding businesses impacted by January’s COVID measures that the deadline for the business costs support program is Monday. 

Eligible businesses required to close, or reduce capacity, due to the public health measures put in place to blunt the spread of the Omicron variant of COVID-19 should apply to Ontario Business Costs Rebate Program by Monday, March 14.. The government will provide eligible businesses with a rebate payment of up to 100 per cent for property tax and energy costs they incur while subject to these restrictions.  

Eligible businesses required to close for indoor activities, such as restaurants and gyms, will receive a rebate payment equivalent to 100 per cent of their costs. Those required to reduce capacity to 50 per cent, such as smaller retail stores, will receive a rebate payment equivalent to 50 per cent of their costs. Businesses will be required to submit proof of costs associated with property tax and energy bills as part of the application process. All eligible businesses must submit an application to be considered, including those that received previous COVID-19 support payments. To learn more, including to find a full list of eligible businesses, visit the online application portal.  

The government is also improving cash flows for Ontario businesses by making up to $7.5 billion available through a six-month interest- and penalty-free period for Ontario businesses to make payments for most provincially administered taxes. This penalty and interest-free period started on January 1, 2022. This supports businesses now and provides the flexibility they will need for long-term planning. 

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For more information, contact MPP Toby Barrett at 519-428-0446 or toby.barrett@pc.ola.org