Opposition Wants N.S. Government To Expand Sector Impact Support Program
HALIFAX–Liberal economic development critic Fred Tilley says the province’s new Sector Impact Support Program leaves out too many struggling Nova Scotians.
“Self-employed and small business owners are calling on the government to be included,” Tilley said.
Particularly those in the cosmetology industry.
The executive director of the Cosmetology Association of Nova Scotia, Dana Sharkey, says multiple requests to the province to have cosmetology included in the program have gone unanswered.
“We’ve been getting multiple calls daily from members who are not surviving financially and are unable to meet basic needs. Clients are canceling appointments even more so now, bringing the fear of closure to many salons. The government must expand the supports to include all small businesses and the self-employed,” Sharkey says.
Previous business supports in Nova Scotia were based on loss of income. Now, under the Houston government, businesses are eligible based on payroll, leaving many Nova Scotians on their own.
The Sector Impact Support Program opened for applications on Monday.
Zach Pottie is a reporter with 101.5 The Hawk, in Port Hawkesbury, a Huddle content partner.