- The Canadian government is allocating up to $20 million in relief funds to local Ottawa businesses.
- The move is an effort to support small business owners affected by ongoing protests.
- Small businesses will be able to apply for up to $10,000 in funds, per the federal government.
The Canadian government will provide up to $20 million in relief funds to small businesses affected by the ongoing trucker protests.
The decision was announced Saturday in a statement by the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario). It said that the funds granted will be non-repayable contributions to Ottawa businesses that have suffered losses due to street blockades from the demonstrations.
Small businesses will be eligible to apply for up to $10,000 in funds for non-deferrable payments not covered by other federal programs, the agency said.
Helena Jaczek, minister responsible for the FedDev Ontario, said in the statement: "Our government's investment of up to $20 million to Invest Ottawa will help local businesses get the support they need to recover."
The so-called Freedom Convoy protests have pervaded the streets of Canada's capital since the end of January. The demonstrations were started by Canadian truckers who opposed COVID-19 lockdown measures and vaccine mandates in the country.
Organizers of the protests said policies like vaccine mandates were "political overreach" and "destroying the foundation of our businesses, industries, and livelihoods."
But some local businesses have had to shut their doors due to the demonstrations and suffered as a result.
"Many Downtown Ottawa businesses have been forced to close their doors or have seen a significant decrease in business, which has resulted in loss of revenue," Mona Fortier, president of the Treasury Board of Canada, said in a statement.
The relief funds reinforce the Canadian government's "commitment to helping communities, families, and businesses continue to build a strong and resilient economic recovery," the agency said.
After some of the protests turned violent, Ottawa police used pepper spray and stun grenades to clear the blockade, The Guardian reported.
Police said more than 100 people had been arrested and 21 vehicles were towed as of Friday night.