To: Rt. Hon. Justin Trudeau

Prime Minister of Canada

Petition to Extend the CEBA Loan Repayment Deadline

Dear Prime Minister Trudeau,

We, the undersigned citizens of Canada, would like to express our heartfelt appreciation for your unwavering dedication and tireless efforts in spearheading the nation's journey toward economic revival during these challenging times. Your leadership and commitment to the welfare of Canadians have been commendable.

The COVID-19 pandemic has presented unprecedented challenges to our economy, causing severe disruptions to countless businesses nationwide. The Canada Emergency Business Account (CEBA) has provided crucial financial support to struggling entrepreneurs and small business owners throughout this crisis. We acknowledge the significance of this lifeline and applaud your government's swift actions in implementing such vital initiatives.

We, the undersigned, at this moment, petition the Canadian government to consider the following requests:

Extend the CEBA Loan Repayment Deadline: We request an extension of the CEBA loan repayment deadline to December 31, 2025, while maintaining access to the forgivable portion. Many businesses are still grappling with the lingering effects of the pandemic, and the road to recovery has proven to be more prolonged and more arduous than initially anticipated. By granting an extension, businesses will have the necessary time to rebuild and regain financial stability, ensuring long-term survival.

Acknowledge the Impact of Increased Interest Rates: The recent interest rate increases have profoundly impacted business owners, exacerbating the financial burdens they are already facing due to the pandemic's lasting effects. Considering this, extending the CEBA loan repayment deadline becomes even more critical to provide much-needed relief to these businesses during these challenging times.

We also wish to bring to your attention that The Canadian Chamber of Commerce and the Canadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB) have already raised their concern and sent a letter to Chrystia Freeland, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, urging the government to "extend the current Canada Emergency Business Account (CEBA) repayment deadline by two years to the end of 2025, or at least by one year, while maintaining access to the forgivable portion." Their advocacy reflects the sentiment of countless businesses counting on this extension to navigate these trying times successfully.

Prime Minister Trudeau, your continued dedication to the welfare of Canadians and the nation's prosperity is deeply admired. As we collectively strive toward economic recovery, extending the CEBA loan repayment deadline is crucial in ensuring a brighter future for our businesses and the broader Canadian community.

We, the undersigned, request that the Canadian government seriously consider this petition and take the necessary actions to extend the CEBA loan repayment deadline while maintaining access to the forgivable portion.

Thank you for your attention to this matter, and we look forward to a positive response that reflects the government's commitment to supporting the backbone of our economy – small and medium-sized businesses.

Sincerely,