Commercial businesses in Ottawa affected by weeks of the truck convoy protests will be able to apply for up to $15,000 in compensation for their losses starting Tuesday.

The federal government had previously announced an investment of $20 million to help businesses cover operational costs incurred during the occupation.

The province also pledged an additional $10 million to support affected businesses.

Businesses in Ontario will also be able to apply for up to $10,000 from federal funds and $5,000 from provincial funds through a portal on the Invest Ottawa website.

On her part, Mona Fortier, the MP for Ottawa-Vanier and President of the Treasury Board, said small businesses have shown incredible resilience throughout the pandemic, but especially during the three weeks protesters against vaccines occupied the heart of the city.

Adding: "The occupation forced many small businesses to close their doors or significantly reduce their hours of operation."

Explaining, "This affected owners' and employees' delivery of goods and led to significant revenue losses."

On his part, Yasir Naqvi, MP for Ottawa Centre, said the occupation dealt another blow to downtown businesses already harmed by the pandemic.

Adding: "Our businesses were almost completely closed for about three weeks."

Explaining, "It was really necessary to do our best to help these businesses reopen their doors again and rebuild after being affected during their operation throughout the pandemic, and also following the illegal blockades."

The federal and provincial funds will help cover lost sales costs and other additional expenses due to the protest, such as hiring security or loss of inventory that had to be disposed of.

On his part, Michael Tremblay, President and CEO of Invest Ottawa, said the online portal was designed to be simple, fast, secure, and reliable.
 

Explaining, "We really want to maintain this ease and simplicity. He said it is important to be so where these businesses have been through enough."
 

Tremblay indicated that it will take about three weeks for businesses applying to receive funding."

Explaining, "The program is expected to continue over the next six or seven weeks."

On her part, Fortier said that businesses in Gatineau, across the river from Ottawa, will also be eligible for government assistance through a separate program if they incurred losses during the protest.

She added that Monday will serve as a Valentine’s Day redux in Ottawa, as she asked Ottawa residents to celebrate the occasion by shopping locally".

Explaining, "You can bring your loved ones and encourage local businesses, and then businesses can smile when applying (for funding) the next day."