“Self-employed and small business owners are calling on the government to be included.”
Those are the words of Liberal Economic Development critic Fred Tilley.
The Provincial Liberals say that the new Sector Impact Support Program leaves out too many struggling Nova Scotians.
Particularly those in the cosmetology industry.
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.
Sharkey adds: “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.”
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 program opened for applications Monday.
