On track to lose up to $17.8 billion in sales this year compared to 2019, Ontario's restaurants are calling on the Ford government to form a survival taskforce.
Restaurants Canada, a national not-for-profit association that lobbies on behalf of the foodservice industry, has sent Premier Doug Ford a letter calling for support so long as COVID-19 restrictions remain in place.
The letter demands a series of actions, including promoting takeout and delivery services, financial aid, timely consultation, and reassuring Ontarians that restaurants are safe.
"Since the start of the pandemic, our members have been investing millions to protect the health and safety of their staff and patrons," said President and CEO Todd Barclay. "When jurisdictions experience rising cases, restaurant operators deserve to know why, and what they can do to continue playing an important role in the economic recovery of their communities."
The association urges the government to keep a moratorium on commercial tenant evictions in place so long as there are public health measures.
It is also urging the public to support its call by contacting their MPP.
Before the pandemic, the industry in Ontario was worth $37 billion and employed more than 480,000 people.
More than 215,000 jobs were lost when the economy was shut down.
While some restaurants have bounced back since restrictions were slowly lifted, a survey by the Canadian Chamber of Commerce at the end of August said 60 per cent of restaurants and bars could fail within three months.
