During a Perth County council meeting, North Perth Mayor Todd Kasenberg requested a discussion of a letter from Kingsville regarding the impact of closed small business while big box stores remain open.
Kasenberg said there is continued concern on the fact of small businesses being forced to close but large stores can remain open with little restrictions. Kasenberg said more data needs to be given when it comes to small business vs big business and how it isn’t fair to small business watch as big stores reap the profits.
“My concern is the competitiveness between small business that can sell things and large big box businesses that are reaping enormous profits during this season and have throughout the pandemic and I don’t think an unequal playing field is appropriate in these contexts” said Kasenberg.
“We are expressing concern that many small businesses have been shuttered and we need to understand why.” added Kasenberg.
Kasenberg also said we must continue to stay home, we can’t ignore anyone in the community.
“The death rates are 2.3 percent. Yes, it affects mostly the elderly but when we allow conditions in our society to say its ok for the elderly and immunocompromised to be at greater risk than the general population I think we’ve done society a disservice.”
The call for answers is being requested from MPP Randy Pettapiece, MP John Nater and to the Premier himself.