Business groups are asking the Ontario government to stop commercial evictions during the COVID-19 pandemic, saying many small and medium-sized businesses are at risk of closing for good.

The request was made in an open letter to Premier Doug Ford, CTV News reported. The groups making the request are the Canadian Federation of Independent Business, Ontario Chamber of  Commerce, Ontario Restaurant Hotel & Motel Association, Restaurants Canada and the Retail Council of Canada.

The joint Canada Emergency Commercial Rent Assistance program was launched last month, offering forgivable loans to commercial property owners to help cover 50% of rental costs while the tenant covers 25%. Some landlords are not applying for the program meaning some businesses will receive no aid at all.

Ford has previously declined freezing commercial evictions, instead asking landlords to be flexible with tenants during the pandemic. He has said he will take action if necessary but warns of the implications of government interfering in long-term leasing contracts.