To the Honourable Members of the Federal Government of Canada,

We, the undersigned, are small business owners in the cellphone technology retail and wholesale sector who have been severely impacted by the rising incidents of theft, robberies, and acts of violence in our stores. These crimes are not only causing significant financial losses but also instilling fear, insecurity, and stress among business owners, employees, and customers alike.

Small businesses like ours are the backbone of the Canadian economy, contributing to the community, creating jobs, and paying a substantial portion of the country's taxes. Yet, we feel unprotected, vulnerable, and left to fend for ourselves in the face of escalating crime.

We call upon the Government of Canada to take immediate and meaningful action to protect small business owners by:

Enacting tougher laws: We urge the government to introduce stricter penalties for theft, robberies, and related crimes targeting small businesses. This includes ensuring that repeat offenders and those who pose a threat to the community are not released prematurely or without proper consequences.
Strengthening law enforcement: We request increased policing and security measures in areas where small businesses are most affected, along with better resources and support for businesses to safeguard against theft and violence.
Providing greater support: We ask for government assistance in the form of grants, resources, or insurance reforms to help small businesses recover from losses incurred due to theft and robberies.

The lack of adequate protection and harsher consequences for these criminals is driving many small business owners to question their future in this industry. The livelihood of thousands of Canadians is at risk, and we deserve to feel safe while conducting business in this country.

We respectfully ask the Government of Canada to take action to protect our businesses, our employees, and our communities by revising laws and policies to ensure that those who commit crimes are held accountable and that preventive measures are put in place.

Your commitment to safeguarding the small business community is essential for the continued growth and prosperity of our economy. We, the undersigned, stand united in requesting that the government prioritize our protection and create a safer environment for small business owners across the country.

Thank you for your attention to this critical issue.