Lethbridge Chamber: Closed businesses need clear benchmarks for when they can reopen

A series of public health measures introduced in November and December forced some businesses to temporarily close.

The Chamber says they had been hearing from local companies that they had been purchasing supplies necessary to reopen in anticipation of the restrictions being lifted on January 11.

Just a few days prior to that, however, the province announced that they would be pushing that date back to “at least” January 21.

The second wave of shutdowns has had a significant impact on the unemployment rate in the region, as Lethbridge-Medicine Hat went from having the second-lowest rate in the province earlier in 2020 to having the highest in December.

“The Government of Alberta imposed further restrictions after the Labour Force Survey data reference week from December 6-12, indicating that the impact of the shutdown and restrictions is much more dire than this data illustrates.”

The Chamber is asking the government to provide a benchmark for when businesses will reopen or when the Government of Alberta will consider moving back restrictions.

“Specifically, we are asking for a reopening plan that correlates data points in detail with policy that clearly outlines what actions are expected for operators to undertake so that they may begin reopening and contributing to our vibrant ecosystem.”

Vos adds that she and many of her members understand that there can be no sustainable economic recovery until the public health crisis is addressed.

by David Opinko

Lethbridge Chamber: Closed businesses need clear benchmarks for when they can reopen

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