CFIB calls on UCP government to improve supports in face of new restrictions
Alberta's new COVID-19 restrictions, in particular its exemption program, are leaving small businesses struggling to find answers to hundreds of questions, says one advocacy group.
The Canadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB) says while the Kenney government's efforts are in the right direction to avoid a crushing lockdown, it is also bringing along new costs and staffing challenges to businesses.
"In other provinces with a proof of vaccination program, CFIB has received hundreds of calls expressing concerns and questions, from how to implement such programs, to what supports are available to train staff and what their legal liability is," said Annie Dormuth, the group's Alberta provincial affairs director in a statement.
Some of those concerns include:
- What things can be done to protect staff who are forced to refuse entry to unvaccinated individuals?
- If clients of weddings and other events are unvaccinated, do venues need to provide refunds?
- What happens if a customer provides fraudulent documentation?
The CFIB says a majority of business owners are seeking additional guidance from the government, including guarantees to avoid legal action.
To help address those issues, the group is seeking financial support to help owners who are struggling with increased costs and lost customers, guarantees that they won't have to deal with new restrictions and signage to help customers understand the rules on vaccine passports.
The CFIB also wants the government to understand that businesses will do their best, but will not be liable if a customer presents a fake document to gain entry.
"Let’s not forget businesses that will check vaccine credentials are also among the hardest hit by 18 months of closures and restrictions, such as restaurants, fitness facilities and event venues," Dormuth said.
"Many are still not back to full capacity, they are carrying massive levels of debt, facing historic labour shortages and navigating the health and safety of their employees and customers."
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Why drivers in Eastern Canada could see big gas price spikes, and other Canadians won't
Drivers in Eastern Canada face a big increase in gas prices because of various factors, especially the higher cost of the summer blend, industry analysts say.
How to avoid the trap of becoming 'house poor'
The journey to home ownership can be exciting, but personal finance columnist Christopher Liew warns about the trappings of becoming 'house poor' -- where an overwhelming portion of your income is devoured by housing costs. Liew offers some practical strategies to maintain better financial health while owning a home.
Toxic forever chemicals in drinking water: Is Canada doing enough?
As the United States sets its first national limits on toxic forever chemicals in drinking water, researchers say Canada is lagging when it comes to regulations.
'A living nightmare': Winnipeg woman sentenced following campaign of harassment against man after online date
A Winnipeg woman was sentenced to house arrest after a single date with a man she met online culminated in her harassing him for years, and spurred false allegations which resulted in the innocent man being arrested three times.
Some customers steaming after McDonald's ends free hot drink sticker program
It took years for Vinnie Deluca to collect more than 400 cards worth of free McDonald's McCafe coffee, a collection that now has "zero value" after the company discontinued the program.
Biden scores endorsements from Kennedy family, looking to shore up support against Trump and RFK Jr.
U.S. President Joe Biden will accept endorsements from at least 15 members of the Kennedy political family during a campaign stop in Philadelphia on Thursday as he aims to undermine Donald Trump and marginalize the candidacy of Robert F. Kennedy Jr.
Where did the gold go? Crime expert weighs in on unfolding Pearson airport heist investigation
Almost 7,000 bars of pure gold were stolen from Pearson International Airport exactly one year ago during an elaborate heist, but so far only a tiny fraction of that stolen loot has been found.
When new leaders took over in ancient Maya, they didn't just bury the former royals. They burned their bodies in public
New archeological investigations in Guatemala reveal that the ancient Maya people had a ritual of burning royal human remains as a public display of political regime change.
Prince William returns to public duties after wife Kate's cancer revelation
Prince William will return to public duties on Thursday for the first time since his wife Kate revealed she was undergoing preventative chemotherapy for cancer.