Even lawyers having trouble making sense of Restrictions Exemption Program, says Chamber

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While some businesses are able to look at options like patio seating, Warkentin acknowledges those options aren’t always possible, especially with colder weather approaching.

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He says most have opted to work with the REP program, but it’s been difficult to sort out.

“We have legal firms struggling to figure out how professional services are supposed to operate. I think there’s a lot of concern about liability, how much burden is placed on businesses to review the proof of vaccination or the rapid test, who can administer the tests, who can get one. It’s just a lot of confusion.”

Warkentin says the lack of communication is also frustrating business owners, as they found out about the restrictions the same time as everyone else during Kenney’s live announcement. Businesses only received an email from the government explaining the REP program late Saturday evening while the program started the following Monday.

Minister of Jobs, Economy and Innovation, Doug Schweitzer, along with Premier Jason Kenney spoke with the Red Deer Chamber Tuesday morning to offer some clarification.

Warkentin says they were told more guidance for businesses struggling to interpret the health guidelines is coming soon, along with more information regarding employers wanting to institute mandatory vaccinations. Kenney and Schweitzer also mentioned they are looking at ways to support businesses who are suffering as a result of the new measures, according to Warkentin.

Another big concern Warkentin has heard, is frontline staff having to deal with unruly and in some cases hostile customers who refuse to comply with health restrictions.

“We see through our conversations online that it’s an extremely divisive issue. There are some people who absolutely refuse to do it, and that’s going to put the businesses in a very awkward position,” he says.

Warkentin said he brought up this issue during his conversation with Schweitzer and Kenney. He says they suggested businesses simply phone the police if the costumers are that out of control.

He reminds customers that these businesses simply want to make a living and these decisions are being put upon them by the government.

“They rely on their businesses to take care of themselves and their families. If they want to remain in operation this is, unfortunately, what they have to do.”