Marie-Claude Bibeau
Hon. Marie-Claude Bibeau
Member of Parliament for Compton—Stanstead
Minister Bibeau meets with entrepreneurs in the region
October 14, 2020

Sherbrooke, QC, October 6, 2020 - Some forty entrepreneurs from the region responded to Minister Bibeau's virtual call last Wednesday to discuss labour issues. Representatives from the manufacturing, agri-food, transportation, agriculture, retail trade, tourism and culture sectors took the opportunity to share their experiences and submit their wishes to the federal government.

Although it may not seem like it, the unemployment rate has increased due to the pandemic, labour shortages have continued to plague several sectors of our region's economy. The lack of mechanics, welders, truck drivers, labourers, cooks, bakers, grocery clerks, farm workers and cultural managers prevent our small and medium sized businesses from operating at full capacity and expanding.

Some of the solutions suggested by entrepreneurs include more flexibility for EI beneficiaries or other claimants to take on temporary part-time work, enhancing foreign worker programs to make them faster and more flexible, and adding incentives for training in the most in-demand sectors including mechanics, welders, bakers and truck drivers.

The Member of Parliament for Compton-Stanstead took the opportunity to highlight some of her government's achievements and commitments to entrepreneurs. This includes the Wage Subsidy, which will be extended until next summer. In addition, the Canada Emergency Business Account will be made more flexible and facilitate direct assistance to businesses that may have to shut down temporarily as a result of a Public Health decision. There will also be a transition from the Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB) to the Employment Insurance system with the creation of the Canada Economic Recovery Benefit for the self-employed, people without insurance who are on sick leave or in isolation, and family caregivers.

"Our entrepreneurs are extremely courageous people who dare to take risks in order to grow their businesses, create good jobs and contribute to our community. In different ways, the pandemic has increased the pressure on these women and men and that is why it was important for me to hear directly from them so that our government can tailor its support measures to their needs." said the Minister and Member of Parliament for Compton-Stanstead.

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For media inquiries, please contact:

Kimberly Luce

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Office of the Hon. Marie-Claude Bibeau, MP for Compton-Stanstead

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