'When are we actually going to get it?' Some Alberta businesses are still waiting for government grant payments
Some Alberta small business owners say they're still waiting for the financial help the provincial government promised them months ago.
Alberta rolled out the third round of its Small and Medium Enterprise Relaunch Grant (SMERG) funding in the spring.
It's meant to help businesses that were forced to close or limit service during the third wave of the COVID-19 pandemic, but some of the payments have still not been received.
"I'm curious as to when they're actually going to distribute that money," said Amanda Fex, the owner of City Fit Shop in Edmonton.
Amanda Fex of City Fit Shop in Edmonton said she's been waiting for weeks for her grant payment to come through.
"You do get to a point when you've been closed for as long as we have that you really are counting on that money to get you through these closure months and come out the other side. So, it's tough when you don't see it coming in."
Fex said she applied and received funding in the first two rounds of the SMERG program without issue, but the third is taking weeks.
The money is for businesses that experienced a revenue drop of at least 30 per cent due to public health measures, up to $10,000.
Fex said she was approved for $5,000.
"That $5,000 would definitely help. I'm definitely not ungrateful for that that, I just find it odd. Why is it different for this spring grant than it's been for the last few grants?" she said.
"When are we actually going to get it?"
TAKING LONGER THAN EXPECTED
The government said it's paid out $620 million to 91,000 applicants since the SMERG program started in June 2020. Some applications may take longer to review and approve due to incorrect or incomplete information, a spokesperson for the province said.
"Those who are approved should receive their payment within ten days of receiving that approval," reads a statement from Alberta's ministry of jobs, economy and innovation.
But CTV News has spoken to nearly a dozen Alberta business owners who say they are still waiting for payments. One owner shared a screenshot of their application portal, which confirmed they had been approved and waiting for payment since April 23.
"We have definitely heard from at least up to 15 business owners in the last couple weeks who are quite concerned that they still haven't received their payment," said Annie Dormuth with the Canadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB).
Dormuth is urging the province to hurry up delayed payments and properly communicate with business owners who are unsure of why they haven't received the funding.
"This has been a common problem, I feel, since the third round was launched," she said.
Annie Dormuth
The Alberta Hospitality Association (AHA) said businesses are relying on any and all funding help they can get as they recover from the rules and restrictions from the last 15 months.
"There's so many small businesses waiting for that relaunch grant," said Ernie Tsu with the AHA.
"We've got businesses from hospitality to coffee shops and cafes, from here to Grande Prairie still waiting for that relaunch grant."
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
BREAKING Israel attacks Iran, Reuters sources say; drones reported over Isfahan
Israel has attacked Iran, three people familiar with the matter told Reuters, as Iranian state media reported early on Friday that its forces had destroyed drones, days after Iran launched a retaliatory drone strike on Israel.
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer denied bail after being charged with killing Canadian couple
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer, one of two men charged in the killings of a Canadian couple in Dominica, has been denied bail.
Nearly half of China's major cities are sinking, researchers say
Nearly half of China's major cities are suffering 'moderate to severe' levels of subsidence, putting millions at risk of flooding especially as sea levels rise.
Prince Harry formally confirms he is now a U.S. resident
Prince Harry, the son of King Charles III and fifth in line to the British throne, has formally confirmed he is now a U.S. resident.
Judge says 'no evidence fully supports' murder case against Umar Zameer as jury starts deliberations
The judge presiding over the trial of a man accused of fatally running over a Toronto police officer is telling jurors the possible verdicts they may reach based on the evidence in the case.
Health Canada to change sperm donor screening rules for men who have sex with men
Health Canada will change its longstanding policy restricting gay and bisexual men from donating to sperm banks in Canada, CTV News has learned. The federal health agency has adopted a revised directive removing the ban on gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men, effective May 8.
Colin Jost names one celebrity who is great at hosting 'Saturday Night Live'
Colin Jost, who co-anchors Saturday Night Live's 'Weekend Update,' revealed who he thinks is one of the best hosts on the show.
Sports columnist apologizes for 'oafish' comments directed at Caitlin Clark. The controversy isn't over
A male columnist has apologized for a cringeworthy moment during former University of Iowa superstar and college basketball's highest scorer Caitlin Clark's first news conference as an Indiana Fever player.
'Shopaholic' author Sophie Kinsella reveals brain cancer diagnosis
Sophie Kinsella, the best-selling author behind the 'Shopaholic' book series, has revealed that she is receiving treatment for brain cancer.