Mary Ng Explains the Impact of COVID-19 on Canadian Small Businesses

Mary is a member of parliament representing a particular riding, as the Minister of Small Business, Export Promotion, and International Trade; basically her job is to help Canadian companies start, scale, access new markets, and work internationally. Mary never thought she would one day become an MP, but her constant drive to help people is what ultimately led her down the path she chose. Growing up in a family that had recently immigrated to Canada, Mary knows the ins and outs of small businesses because she grew up in her family's Chinese restaurant. What caused her to run for public office? She says she had to “see it to be it”, and she wanted to represent her heritage as a Chinese-Canadian and share her pride. “It's really important for Canadian institutions, especially at all levels of government, to have people in it who have the experience which is an experience like mine.” Mary is proud to be apart of the table, and represent the cultural diversity of Canada.

Mary explains that small businesses are the heart of so many of our Canadian communities, in fact, 98% of businesses in Canada are small businesses. When COVID-19 threw a wrench in many small businesses' plans across the country, Mary has been one supporting business owners through this tough period the best way they can by helping pay for employee salaries and business expenses with rent deferment and interest-free loans. Mary states that 700,000 small businesses in Canada took this loan option, which has allowed them to stay afloat. She knows we will bounce back, but we just need to remain patient. Mary says if you’d like to access these resources, you can go to canada.ca/covid19.

Mary mentions the Made in Canada movement as a key example of Canadian businesses bouncing back in this time. She has seen many businesses pivot their efforts into the creation of PPE and hand sanitizer when its not their usual products. “Canadian companies have just absolutely shone through,” Mary boasts, she is proud to see the flexibility. Other creative ideas like curbside pickup, app creation, online ordering and other ideas are more great examples of the adaptability of many business environments that help keep Canadian jobs.

Mary is extremely supportive of any small businesses looking to reach higher goals, and she says if anyone is looking for encouragement or information, they can contact her office directly and she mentions that you should look out for supports in your own community as well.

Written by Juliana Bermudez