Most cosmetologists say they aren’t eligible for the Self-Employed Lockdown Fund announced last week by provincial agency Opportunities New Brunswick.
In a survey of about 850 of its members over the weekend (Jan 21-23), the Cosmetology Association of New Brunswick (CANB) says nearly three of four members said they’re not eligible for the $2,000 in support based on the criteria.
Most won’t qualify because they didn’t make at least $30,000 in gross income in 2019.
The survey also found even more members aren’t eligible for another provincial support fund, the Small Business Recovery Program, because they don’t employ at least two people.
CANB executive director Gaye Cail shared the survey results with provincial small business minister Arlene Dunn who last week said the latest fund was “another example of how the government is listening to the business community.”
Cail notes how these programs simply won’t work and she’s repeating calls to allow salons to reopen.
A petition calling for such a reopening now has more than 11,000 signatures.
“My members simply want to get back to work doing a job they know they can do safely,” says Cail.
“The fact remains, there is no evidence of COVID-19 transmission in any of my members’ small businesses. This is because CANB members are well trained in infectious disease control, and have been exceptionally diligent in following the evolving public health advice during this pandemic.”
The industry is urging government to offer regulated cosmetologists the same exemption offered to big box stores and many other businesses during the Level 3 COVID-19 restrictions.
