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
Quebec nurse had to clean up after husband's death in Montreal hospital
On a night she should have been mourning, a nurse from Quebec's Laurentians region says she was forced to clean up her husband after he died at a hospital in Montreal.
Northern Ont. lawyer who abandoned clients in child protection cases disbarred
A North Bay, Ont., lawyer who abandoned 15 clients – many of them child protection cases – has lost his licence to practise law.
Bank of Canada officials split on when to start cutting interest rates
Members of the Bank of Canada's governing council were split on how long the central bank should wait before it starts cutting interest rates when they met earlier this month.
'It was instant karma': Viral video captures failed theft attempt in Nanaimo, B.C.
Mounties in Nanaimo, B.C., say two late-night revellers are lucky their allegedly drunken antics weren't reported to police after security cameras captured the men trying to steal a heavy sign from a downtown business.
Cuban government apologizes to Montreal-area family after delivering wrong body
Cuba's foreign affairs minister has apologized to a Montreal-area family after they were sent the wrong body following the death of a loved one.
What is changing about Canada's capital gains tax and how does it impact me?
The federal government's proposed change to capital gains taxation is expected to increase taxes on investments and mainly affect wealthy Canadians and businesses. Here's what you need to know about the move.
'Anything to win': Trudeau says as Poilievre defends meeting protesters
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is accusing Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre of welcoming 'the support of conspiracy theorists and extremists,' after the Conservative leader was photographed meeting with protesters, which his office has defended.
'One of the single most terrifying things ever': Ontario couple among passengers on sinking tour boat in Dominican Republic
A Toronto couple are speaking out about their 'extremely dangerous' experience on board a sinking tour boat in the Dominican Republic last week.
Boeing's financial woes continue, while families of crash victims urge U.S. to prosecute the company
Boeing said Wednesday that it lost US$355 million on falling revenue in the first quarter, another sign of the crisis gripping the aircraft manufacturer as it faces increasing scrutiny over the safety of its planes and accusations of shoddy work from a growing number of whistleblowers.