Category: Business

Tammy Allarie’s Cat Connections was able to stretch its paws in October thanks to the Ottawa Community Loan Fund.

Past the front door, beside the cash register, the cardboard sign reads: “Remember to put on your shirt, shoes and pants before entering!” A magazine entitled Feminista and a container of recycled bottle caps are on the counter. Sporting tongue, lip and nose rings, youngsters scope out the goods.

When the G-20, International Monetary Fund and World Bank met in Ottawa from Nov. 16-18, streets were shut down. Consumers stayed home. Some businesses lost money. This is unfortunate, but it is not the federal government’s job to compensate merchants for that loss.

On the small stage in the dimly lit Mercury Lounge, Jim Larwill takes his place behind the microphone.