Groups seek specific COVID help in throne speech

The head of a group that represents small businesses countrywide says he's hoping tomorrow's throne speech throws a lifeline to some of his members who are barely hanging on.

Dan Kelly of the Canadian Federation of Independent Business says he's hoping the government focuses its throne speech tomorrow on navigating the pandemic.

Non-essential businesses were forced to close during lockdowns earlier this year to slow the spread of COVID-19, but have reopened since as restrictions have eased.

Kelly says it could be years before thousands of small businesses in the country have revenues equal to what they made before the pandemic.

His group is hoping to see a rejigging of commercial rent assistance that has fallen short of expectations, among other aid to businesses.

The speech is expected to lay out promises on child care and health care as part of the Liberal government's short-term and long-term vision for the country.