Businesses welcome feds' help but say B.C. economy will still take a big hit

Doug Stephen, the owner of Downlow Chicken Shack on Commercial Drive in Vancouver, says his restaurant is still taking orders during the coronavirus emergency, but it hasn't been easy.

He estimates he's had to lay off about 30 per cent of his staff. The physical orientation of the restaurant has had to change to help keep diners and staff far enough apart to reduce the risks of spreading COVID-19. The number of customers placing takeout and delivery orders has dropped.

Because of those challenges, Stephen said Friday that he's welcoming increased wage subsidies announced by the federal government to help small and medium-sized employers keep their workers on the job.

"I really think this gives, not just restaurants, but a lot of small businesses a fighting chance," Stephen said. 

"It's going to give people the breathing room and the ability to make the changes necessary [to stay open]."

The announced measures include a 75 per cent wage subsidy for workers not laid off, guaranteed interest-free loans and deferred tax payments.

While the news is being welcomed, one business group says Canada is not doing as much as other countries to support business.

Long-term impacts

Corinne Lea says supports for businesses still in operation are great, but there's no way hers can be one of them.

Lea is the owner of Vancouver's Rio Theatre. The independent theatre normally screens films and hosts live events but has been shuttered since March 16 to comply with provincial orders.

"I'm in the business of encouraging people to come out and get together and watch shows and movies and events," Lea said. "That is just not what we need right now."

Lea said she'll be keeping an eye on specifics of the federal business supports which are to be announced Monday. She's hopeful there will be something for her theatre which employed 24 people until recently.

"Business isn't going to come roaring back like the virus never happened," she said.

'Daunting'

Ken Peacock, vice-president of the Business Council of B.C., said the hit businesses in this province could take is likely to be significant and he questions why more isn't being done to help them.

His organization has analyzed the various sectors in the province — a challenge because there are still so many unknowns about what the coronavirus emergency might entail and how long it might last — and estimates B.C.'s economy could contract by about seven per cent in 2020.

That would be far worse than the 2008-2009 recession and on par with the recession of 1981-1982, he said.

"Our biggest fear is the destruction of institutions and businesses," Peacock said. "It's a daunting number."

He said the 75 per cent wage subsidy is good news for businesses but questioned why measures to prop them up aren't coming faster.

"I don't think anyone is going to criticize the government for trying to do too much," he said.