By Sheldon Spackman

"Delicate Balance"

Chamber relieved total lockdown avoided

Nov 25, 2020 | 4:46 PM

Officials with the Red Deer and District Chamber of Commerce are breathing a sigh of relief that new provincial government measures to address growing COVID-19 cases in the province do not include a total lockdown.

Chamber CEO Rick More says a complete lockdown would have been devastating to the businesses who have survived the last eight months.

“After seeing some of the things happening in provinces like Manitoba, I think the focus of local businesses is being open and going from there,” suggests More. “It will take some time following the implementation of these restrictions to gauge the impact. It’s something we’ll keep a close eye on and provide feedback to the government accordingly.”

According to the Canadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB), the new public health orders and restrictions announced by the government will hurt many Alberta small businesses, but add they are still preferable to blanket shutdowns as seen in other provinces.

“Alberta small businesses are in a fragile position with 45 per cent losing money every day they are open, and 40 per cent reporting they will not be able to survive if locked down a second time,” said CFIB Alberta provincial affairs director, Annie Dormuth, in a release. “A blanket lockdown would have pushed Alberta small businesses to the brink of closure. The new limited measures will give small business a fighting chance to surviving the holiday season.”

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More says the holiday season is also the most important one for restaurants and retailers.

“In order to get through this, we want to encourage the public to support local whenever possible,” adds More. “Clearly there is a delicate balance to be struck that limits the spread, protects those who are compromised, and recognizes the impact restrictions have on families and mental health.

“We can argue about the loss of liberties,” continues More. “Whether it was too much, or not enough, but it’s essential we recognize the liberty our businesses require to provide a livelihood for their own families, those they employ and the goods and services central Albertans rely on.”

Effective Nov. 27, new provincial restrictions will limit the amount of contact between people in the community, while still allowing businesses to offer services.

These measures apply to all areas on Alberta’s ‘enhanced’ list, which includes Red Deer.

Albertans are encouraged to limit in-person visits to retail locations and use curbside pick-up, delivery and online services whenever possible.

For specific information on Alberta’s newly enhanced public health measures, click here.