Clarity needed on new Alberta restrictions and exemption program: Calgary Chamber of Commerce
The Calgary Chamber of Commerce is calling for clarity on Alberta's new COVID-19 restrictions and exemption program.
“Yesterday’s announcement prompted more questions than answers for our business community," said chamber president and CEO Deborah Yedlin in a statement.
"As the impacts of yesterday’s announcement are being felt today, answers and clarity are needed urgently. Most immediately, businesses need clarity on key elements of the Restriction Exemption Program. It will also be critical to accelerate the implementation of a QR code system and create simple processes along with continued support for businesses as they move forward with the program."
Premier Jason Kenney enacted a state of public health emergency Wednesday and announced the province is bringing in vaccine passports, which he called a Restriction Exemption Program, in response to rising COVID-19 case numbers.
That means places like bars, restaurants and outdoor events will have to require a proof of vaccination from patrons before entering.
Bars, restaurants and outdoor events that don't require proof of vaccination will be limited to outdoor dining only, with a maximum of six people per table. Liquor sales at all establishmentswill continue to end at 10 p.m., consumption will stop at 11 p.m.
Grocery and retail stores will not be part of the program but will be reduced to one-third capacity.
A number of other rules were also imposed, including:
- Starting Sept. 16, all businesses must implement work from home measures unless it is absolutely necessary for employees to be in the workplace;
- Indoor gatherings of fully vaccinated Albertans are limited to a single household, plus one other household and with a maximum of 10 people;
- Anyone who is unvaccinated will not be able to attend any indoor gathering;
- Outdoor gatherings are limited to a maximum of 200 people and physical distancing measures must be maintained, and;
- Limits of one-third capacity will also be returning to places of worship.
“Implementation of new measures will not be without pain points, but overall, organizations participating in the Rapid Exemption Program are facing a competitive advantage," said Yedlin.
"They will operate with fewer restrictions, attract fully-vaccinated people back to their businesses and are now on a more even playing field with other jurisdictions, which supports their ability to attract investment and business from outside the province and minimizes challenges related to cross-border labour.
“We are working closely with the provincial government and Calgary businesses to seek the clarity needed that will support rapid and widespread implementation of vaccine certification."
Alberta announced 1,609 new cases on Wednesday. There are 877 COVID-19 patients in hospital, including 218 in ICU.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Deaths of 4 people on Sask. farm confirmed as murder-suicide
The deaths of four people on a farm near the Saskatchewan village of Neudorf have been confirmed a murder-suicide.
Multiple bridges in Calgary shut down for police incident
Calgary police have shut down a number of bridges into and out of the downtown core as officers deal with a distraught individual.
Sunshine list: These were the Ontario public sector's highest earners in 2023
Ontario released its annual sunshine list Thursday afternoon, noting that the largest year-over-year increases were in hospitals, municipalities, and post-secondary sectors.
Why some Christians are angry about Trump's 'God Bless the USA' Bible
Former U.S. President Donald Trump is officially selling a copy of the Bible themed to Lee Greenwood’s famous song, 'God Bless the USA.' But the concept of a Bible covered in the American flag has raised concern among religious circles.
George Washington family secrets revealed by DNA from unmarked 19th century graves
Genetic analysis has shed light on a long-standing mystery surrounding the fates of U.S. President George Washington's younger brother Samuel and his kin.
Baby boom amongst nurses leads to maternity ward closure in Listowel, Ont.
The emergency room at Listowel’s hospital is open today, but come summer, their obstetrics unit will be temporarily closing its delivery rooms.
Humboldt Broncos bus crash survivor qualifies Canada for Paralympics in rowing event
Former Humboldt Broncos goaltender and bus crash survivor Jacob Wassermann has qualified Canada for a rowing event for the 2024 Paralympic games in Paris.
Krispy Kreme doughnuts coming to McDonald's in U.S., but not Canada
Canadians will be missing out on a sweet new partnership between McDonald's and Krispy Kreme, which will see doughnuts available at McDonald's locations across the U.S. by the end of 2026.
'We won't forget': How some Muslims view Poilievre's stance on Israel-Hamas war
A spokesman for a regional Muslim advocacy group says Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre's stance on the Israel-Hamas war could complicate his party's relationship with Muslim Canadians.