Edmonton businesses say new provincial COVID-19 supports fall flat
CBC
Newly announced supports for businesses that have opted into the province's vaccine passport system fall short, say some Edmonton business owners.
"I thought it was slightly underwhelming, to be honest," said Cathal O'Byrne, owner of O'Byrne's Irish Pub, which adopted the restrictions exemption program when it launched in September.
The program allows businesses to require patrons or clients to show proof of full vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test. O'Byrne said enforcing it has been challenging.
"Normally, we're a seat yourself venue but we've had to hire at least three or four extra staff and security now for during the week, because the later the day goes on, the more people we get that start to cause a little bit of a ruckus," he said.
On Thursday, Premier Jason Kenney and senior officials announced one-time, $2,000 grants to small and medium businesses to help offset the cost of adopting the restriction exemption program.
The province has also created a $1-million fund to support safety training for employees tasked with implementing vaccine passports, and doubled fines from $2,000 to $4,000 for individuals who mistreat workers trying to enforce the program.
Kenney also announced legislation that will protect businesses from legal challenges for requiring workers to be vaccinated or over the restrictions exemption program.
This story is a collaboration between the Investigative Journalism Foundation and CBC Saskatchewan.
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