New health measures must be accompanied by supports for impacted businesses

The following statement on updated public health measures is attributable to Deborah Yedlin, President and CEO of the Calgary Chamber of Commerce:

Calgary, December 21, 2021 – “Public health measures introducing new capacity restrictions at venues and for food and beverage service are important steps that are needed to protect the health and wellbeing of our community and decrease the spread of the Omicron variant. However, we are disappointed today’s announcement was not accompanied by an indication additional support for businesses is being considered.

“Added measures mean the challenges experienced through the pandemic will be further amplified. At a time when small businesses have already taken on considerable debt in the last 22 months, the current environment will make it harder for businesses to cover operational costs, attract and retain skilled talent, while also dealing with rising costs associated with supply chain challenges. Expanding the eligibility criteria for the federal government’s Hardest-Hit Business Recovery Program and structuring supports to be stackable are two measures that can be taken to further support businesses through this next wave.

“With the news boosters are available to all Albertans 18 and up, Calgarians can do their part to help arrest the spread of the variant and allow for a permanent return to a quality of life that supports our collective mental, physical and economic well-being. This means getting fully vaccinated, following current public health guidance and carefully considering plans to gather through the holidays.”

About the Calgary Chamber

The Calgary Chamber is an independent non-profit, non-partisan business organization. For 130 years, the Chamber has worked to build a business community that nourishes, powers and inspires the world.

For media inquiries, please contact Arianne Brady, Communications Manager, at media@calgarychamber.com or at 403-750-0414.