Mayor and Council strike emergency meeting with the City of Mississauga’s Economic Development Advisory Board (EDAB) to explore possible supports for local business community.
Today, Mayor Bonnie Crombie and City Councillors along with the City of Mississauga’s Economic Development Office met virtually with nearly two dozen members of Mississauga’s business community to discuss the impact of COVID-19 on the local economy, as well as possible solutions to this economic challenge.
Leadership from the Mississauga Board of Trade (MBOT), local Business Improvement Areas (BIAs) and businesses representing Mississauga’s key sectors, including Life Sciences, Aerospace, Clean Tech, Advanced Manufacturing and Information and Communications Technology were in attendance.
“I understand this is a very challenging time for our businesses. COVID-19 has impacted their livelihoods and their bottom lines. I want our City’s business community to know that we are here for you. The sacrifices you are making for the greater good of our city have not gone unnoticed,” said Mayor Bonnie Crombie.
During the roundtable discussion, businesses raised concerns about:
- The impact that full and partial closures will have on their long-term sustainability
- Local and global economic impacts including trade, supply chain continuity and access to products and services
- Human resources implications and;
- Tax payment deferral for business while this crisis continues
Following today’s meeting, Mayor Crombie committed to reporting back recommendations and discussing possible supports at tomorrow’s special Council meeting. Mayor Crombie committed to meeting with EDAB moving forward as the crisis unfolds.
“While both the federal and provincial levels of government have announced generous fiscal stimulus packages to support workers, businesses and the economy, it’s important that as a City, we do our part to help our local businesses weather this storm. I want to thank our local businesses, small and large, for their efforts to help us flatten the COVID-19 curve and keep Mississauga safe,” added Mayor Crombie.
“Our Economic Development Office is committed to ensuring businesses can continue to connect with our business advisory staff virtually and receive support during regular business hours,” said Bonnie Brown, Director of Economic Development. “We will continue to work closely with all levels of government and stakeholder agencies to provide the most up-to-date information for companies to learn how they can gain access to the programs and relief packages available at this time.”
Information about provincial and federal supports for businesses can be found at thefutureisunlimited.ca/covid-19.
To learn about the latest updates on actions taken by the City of Mississauga visit mississauga.ca/coronavirus or follow @CityMississauga on Twitter.
For health information, please visit peelregion.ca/coronavirus
