QUEBEC CITY — Some Quebec garden supply stores are calling on their government to designate them as an essential business. Currently, consumers can turn to the garden departments of big box stores for their spring planting needs, but smaller independent retailers are restricted to online sales. Pierre Jasmin, owner of Montreal’s Pépinière Jasmin, told CBC News that delivery fees make supporting a local business with online purchases a less appealing option.
We’re allowed to bring in foreign workers to have product ready for the consumer, but our government says, ‘No, no, no. Go to RONA. Go buy them at Canadian Tire. Don’t go to the local stores,’” he said.
