The Ontario government has taken steps to prevent commercial tenants from being evicted during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The province passed the Protecting Small Business Act on Wednesday, which will temporarily halt or reverse evictions of commercial tenants and protect them from lockouts or asset seizures.
"We know COVID-19 has had a significant impact on small businesses, which are the backbone of our economy," said Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing Steve Clark in a news release. "This legislation will allow us to protect small businesses and help them get back on their feet so they can continue to create jobs and participate in the rebuilding of the provincial economy."
The legislation will apply to businesses that are eligible for federal or provincial rent assistance from May 1 until August 31.
However, those who are participating in Canada Emergency Commercial Rent Assistance (CECRA) for small businesses will not be eligible for the pause on evictions under the new act. Landlords with small businesses who have already entered into CECRA have already committed to a moratorium on evictions for three months.
The province has committed $241 million to CECRA for small businesses in partnership with the federal government.
"Working with the federal government, we are providing more than $900 million in relief to tenants and landlords in Ontario through the Canada Emergency Commercial Rent Assistance for small businesses," added Rod Phillips, Minister of Finance and chair of the Ontario Jobs and Recovery Committee.
To learn who is eligible and how to apply for CECRA for small businesses, click here. The application deadline is August 31.
