Some N.B. business owners express concern they won’t qualify for a new fund to help those who are self-employed
For the first time during the COVID-19 pandemic, the government of New Brunswick is offering financial supports specifically aimed at helping self-employed business owners.
A one-time $2,000 grant is being offered to those who are unable to work in Level 3 lockdowns.
To be eligible for the Self-Employed Lockdown Fund, businesses must meet the following criteria:
- be a permanent New Brunswick-based business or organization physically operating in the province
- had been actively operating or conducting business before being ordered to close
- possess an active and valid CRA Business Number
- be in good standing with the provincial government and with the Corporate Registry of New Brunswick
- provide evidence of annual gross business income of more than $30,000
While support of any kind is welcome, some business owners are concerned about the eligibility requirements.
Kimberley Herron-Horncastle, a tattoo artist in St. Stephen, says she will not meet the criteria needed to benefit from the fund.
“It actually felt like I was drowning for a minute, because you’re kind of out of options,” said Herron-Horncastle.
A new mom, Herron-Horncastle says she only works weekends when childcare is available for her young son. She says she won’t hit the $30,000 gross income necessary to qualify for the fund.
“Where I don’t work very often, I specifically budget my income to my payments. So it could be a missed car payment, it could be me talking to my landlord asking for help with rent, it’s that much of a fine line,” said Herron-Horncastle
The grant requirements also caught the eye of members of the Cap-Pelé-Beaubassin-East Chamber of Commerce, who wrote an open letter sharing their disappointment.
“It’s the issue that keeps popping up,” said Gilles Cormier, a member of the Cap-Pelé-Beaubassin-East Chamber of Commerce.
“Sometimes when these government programs come along it seems to be a quick fix and they don’t really pay attention to make sure that the people who really, really need the help, that they’re eligible to get it.”
CTV News reached out to the province for comment, but was told no one was available for an interview.
In an email, a spokesperson for Opportunities NB says the grant was introduced to provide support complementary to other resources. Those include the federal government’s Canada Worker Lockdown Benefit, which temporarily provides roughly $270 a week to individuals who cannot work due to lockdown restrictions.
Those interested in applying for the Self-Employed Lockdown Fund can do so online beginning Feb. 1.
Eligible businesses should expect payment within 10 business days following receipt of a complete application.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Here's how much more Canadian landlords are asking for now, according to a just-released report
A new report says the average asking rent for a home in Canada in April was up 9.3 per cent compared with a year ago, while a slight month-over-month increase was also recorded for the first time since January.
What is basic income, and how would it impact me?
Parliamentarians are considering a pair of bills aiming to lift people out of poverty through a basic income program, but some fear these types of systems could result in more taxes for Canadians who are already financially struggling.
'I may have some nightmares:' Man survives being bitten by 2 sharks in Bahamas
A man who was bitten by two sharks in the Bahamas said Thursday he's 'thankful that I'm here' while sharing his story of survival.
Magnitude 4.2 earthquake reported off Vancouver Island's west coast
A 4.2-magnitude earthquake was recorded west of Vancouver Island early Friday morning.
Mexico's president accuses press and volunteer searchers for missing people of 'necrophilia'
The administration of Mexico's president has accused the press and volunteer searchers who look for the bodies of missing people of 'necrophilia,' comments that drew criticism this week.
Rare severe solar storm Friday could bring spectacular aurora light show across Canada
A rare and severe solar storm is expected to bring spectacular displays of the northern lights, also known as aurora borealis, across much of Canada and parts of the United States on Friday night.
Out-of-control wildfire burning near Fort McMurray
As of 9 a.m. on Friday, the wildfire burning 28 kilometres southwest of the northeastern Alberta city was 25 hectares in size.
WATCH Expecting an interest rate cut in June? Don't bet on it after new jobs data
Canada's labour market rebounded in April, adding more than 90,000 jobs, a staggering number of new positions after four consecutive months of little change.
Prince William says wife Kate is 'doing well'
Prince William said on Friday his wife Kate was 'doing well' in a rare public comment about the Princess of Wales as she undergoes preventative chemotherapy for cancer.