Archive 1997-2016
An optimistic report by the Royal Bank says Centretown small businesses will become more diverse over the next decade as immigrants and visible minorities take advantage of business openings, but some Centretown small businesses see a tougher road ahead.
Abid Jan says he came to Canada to find peace and security. Instead, he found only fear and loathing. He blames Canada’s intelligence services.
Matt worked 14 hours a day, 75 hours a week, he says, washing dishes, preparing food, running downstairs to get supplies. The restaurant owner promised Matt $5 an hour, but at the end of the week he said he could only afford $250, less than $3.50 an hour. Matt took the money. He needed the job and kept on working.
Many immigrant-run shops and restaurants in Centretown once catered to their own niche communities, but now other Canadians are increasingly frequenting their businesses.