Alberta businesses face decision over province’s proof of vaccination program

The government introduced new health measures on Wednesday, including restrictions on restaurants, indoor gatherings, weddings and funerals, retail, entertainment venues, and indoor sports and fitness.

But as of Monday, businesses and events can continue to operate normally if they require proof of COVID-19 vaccination or a negative test result for customers aged 12 or older. Those who don’t will be subject to stricter limits and rules.

The program does not apply to companies or entities to which it is necessary to access for daily life.

Orange Theory Fitness President Blake MacDonald said he was happy with the government’s new measures. A program requiring proof of vaccination was something he called for.

“It was nice to hear they were listening,” he said. “There is simply no way for us to put up with another round of closures and restrictions if we were to put them in place.”

MacDonald said they are already moving towards requiring proof of vaccination before the province’s announcement.

“We made a decision and emailed our members on Tuesday basically saying that we are moving a lot of our classes to the required vaccine,” he explained.

MacDonald believes most other fitness facilities will participate in the program as well.

Arno’s Fine French Pastry owner Arnaud Valade said he plans to participate in the program.

“If we want to survive, to keep our tables inside the cafe, we have to do that, so we have no choice,” he said. “We have to work.”

Paul Shufelt, chef and owner of Robert Spencer Hospitality, which runs the Eatery Workshop, said he was happy with the new program but continued to criticize the provincial government.

“At first I was frustrated, I would also say confused, the message was pretty mixed,” he said. “I think more than anything, less frustrated with yesterday’s decision, more frustrated with the lack of decision making and the lack of leadership in the months and weeks leading up to this.”

Confusion

Edmonton Chamber of Commerce president and CEO Jeffrey Sundquist said some business owners had questions about the new program.

“While we are pleased to see the Government of Alberta take action, we urge the government to provide clear details on the implementation of the restriction waiver program as soon as possible,” he wrote. .

“Businesses are diverse and there are many questions about how the new program will be implemented. The program should be relatively simple for companies to implement in their various workplaces in order to protect their staff and customers. “

The Calgary Chamber of Commerce and the Canadian Federation of Independent Business said Thursday their members have discovered a lot of confusion as they scramble to understand the restriction exemption program.

“Yesterday’s announcement prompted more questions than answers for our business community,” said Deborah Yedlin, president and CEO of the chamber, in a statement.

“Answers and clarity are urgently needed.”

Right after the program was announced, Annie Dormuth, CFIB’s Director of Provincial Affairs for Alberta, said she was already hearing from homeowners confused about whether they will need to apply to use the program or whether remove it.

Others were concerned that the government had offered advice or training to staff on how to verify proof of vaccination is fraudulent or deal with unruly customers who disagree with the measures.

In her COVID-19 update Thursday afternoon, Chief Medical Officer of Health Dr. Deena Hinshaw said the province would release more details on the program on Friday.