As it’s been a few weeks now since Phase Three of the province’s COVID-19 re-opening plan has rolled out, Arctic Radio News reached out to the CFIB to see how independent businesses are doing, and what more needs to be done to support them.

The federation’s director of the prairies, Jonathan Alward, says the province has been evolving many of the COVID-19 assistance programs they’ve launched these past few months, citing how the summer student program gradually opened up  to more businesses.

He added that Manitobans have been doing well in keeping COVID-19 cases low in order for the province to re-open, and adds that retailers being open at one hundred per cent capacity and allowing travel from western and northern Canada are boons for independent businesses.

However, Alward adds that one of the biggest things the province needs to focus on is helping small businesses and cover the costs related to the compliance of COVID-19 guidelines.

Some businesses are still having issues during this time and Independent businesses regardless of membership status who may be struggling right now can call the CFIB’s Business Help Line toll-free at 1-888-234-2232.