The President of the Windsor-Essex Regional Chamber of Commerce is applauding a funding announcement by the federal government.
Rakesh Naidu says he has glad to hear the government is increasing a payroll subsidy to small businesses to avoid layoffs during COVID-19.
On Friday, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said the government will now cover up to 75% of salaries — a major increase over the original 10% subsidy plan.
Naidu says the government listened.
"They have now increased the wage subsidy from 10% to 75% which is a really good initiative from the 10% which was very inadequate, so we welcome that," say Naidu.
Naidu says the chamber was pushing for 75%.
"For us this it is important that the wage subsidies offered to as many small and medium size enterprises and entrepreneurs as possible and hopefully there's no cap for employee or employer," says Naidu. "So I'm looking forward to hearing the details on Monday."
Naidu says the chamber has been hearing from its membership.
"We identified 75% would be something that we should consider because there are other countries offering 75% and it has helped those countries, help those small and medium size enterprises there," says Naidu.
The subsidy will be retroactive to mid-March and is part of a suite of small business measures being rolled out.
More information on the program is expected on Monday.