"There's a lot of confusion out there, because this plan has such a lack of detail"
— Lac La Biche & District Chamber of Commerce President Dave Phillips
Local businesses can side-step some of the restrictive measures in the latest provincial mandates against the spread of the coronavirus ... if they ask their customers to prove they are COVID-free.
That Restriction Exemption Program — part of the newest round of pandemic measures announced by the Alberta government last Wednesday — allows certain businesses to continue to do business without capacity or operating restrictions. The exemption option, however, does not apply to grocery stores, which must reduce customer occupancy in their buildings to one-third capacity, according to the new restrictions that began on Sept. 16 for outdoor events and facilities and September 20 for indoor retail, entertainment and recreation facilities.
Businesses owners who choose not to take part in the exemption plan will continue to face occupancy restrictions. Bars, restaurants and cafes that don't implement the plan will not be allowed to have indoor dining. Outdoor dining at those establishments will be restricted to household seating or two close contacts of a person living alone — as long as there are no more than six people at a table. Liquor sales in licensed businesses must cut off at 10 pm.
Businesses that "need to be accessed for daily living," notes the latest information package from provincial officials are not impacted by the exemption plan. The same information states that "Businesses do not need to apply for the program. Audits and enforcement will occur to ensure rules are followed."
The new restrictions, who they affect, how the exemptions will apply or suggestions on how businesses places can best ask customers about their health choices is not going over too well with local merchants.
"There's a lot of confusion out there, this plan has such a lack of detail," Lac La Biche and District Chamber of Commerce President Dave Phillips told Lakeland Today on Thursday.
"It's a lot to take in," he says after speaking to local business owners and taking calls from concerned merchants and service providers.
Local Chamber officials have heard similar concerns from around the province at recent video conferences with organizations. A Zoom session the day after the new changes were announced that included Alberta government caucus members raised more questions and concerns than answers.
Phillips says many businesses feel distanced from the decision-making process of the province and are afraid of what is happening to their livelihoods. Even though it was not mentioned in the most recent round of restrictions, Phillips said he's had some calls asking about "essential services".
"As far as we know, the essential service discussion isn't even part of this latest plan ... but people are just worried and confused because there's not enough detail," he said.
"... they'll do whatever they have to do to survive."
— Chamber president Dave Phillips
Federal response
The new plans have also attracted criticism from the political realms. Lac La Biche-area business owner Shawn McDonald recently took time from his campaigning efforts to be the area's next federal member of Parliament to attack the provincial plan. Calling it "a sad day for his riding, and a sad day for Albertans," he issued a terse statement through his People's Party of Canada campaign office on Wednesday, just 90 minutes after the provincial announcement was made.
"New restrictions and mandates imposed by the UCP government today once again are an attack on every Albertan’s freedom, is incomprehensible and simply does not make sense," said McDonald, the owner of an industrial construction company. He's also been the president of the Resource One Aboriginal Business Association, but has stepped down from that role during his campaign efforts.
He says the recent changes, especially the reference to COVID passports or proof of vaccinations are eroding Canadian freedoms — a main talking point of the PPCs platform.
"We are no longer on a slippery slope of losing our freedoms, our businesses, and our livelihoods. We are now in a full blown mudslide that many knew already started over a year ago," said McDonald. "... lockdowns not only segregates people by medical choice, but now puts a huge burden on businesses that have already been fighting to stay afloat for the past 19 months."
He says he will use and federal leverage to help local and provincial businesses and residents to fight for their freedoms. His full statement can be found through a link in the digital version of this story at www.lakelandtoday.ca.
Survival of local business
Whether businesses choose to ask customers for proof they are COVID-free, or opt not to follow the exemption plan, mandatory masking and social distancing mandates will remain in place.
Back at the Chamber office, when asked if he felt local businesses would abide by the new regulations, Phillips said in the current climate of the local business world, "they'll do whatever they have to do to survive; that's the definition of small business today."
The Lac La Biche and District Chamber office is open through the week to handle calls and offer available information to local business.
