Madison Erhardt
The Kelowna business community is calling on the provincial government to postpone the introduction of the vaccination record program.
The local Chamber of Commerce says that a “modest” majority (57%) of respondents in a survey this week were in favor of asking for proof of vaccination to join companies, but more than a third (36%) strongly opposed it.
“Our members have strong feelings about this matter,” said Jeffrey Robinson, president of the Kelowna Chamber of Commerce. “The common ground seems to be a desire to return to normal, but there are profound differences as to whether the obligation of some private companies to refuse service to unvaccinated customers is compatible with that goal.”
The chamber also says it has concerns about how the government will support companies that need to enforce the vaccine passport.
“Companies that will be affected by this decision want to know how it will be enforced and what support they will get from the government,” said Chamber Executive Director Dan Rogers. “There has to be clarity so that employees don’t come into unfair conflicts with customers. Therefore, we encourage the government to double-check the implementation timeline so that companies can fully understand and reasonably plan what the government appears to be asking them to do. “
The board said their survey also found that companies prefer alternative methods of proving that a person is not infectious, such as inexpensive or free rapid test kits or proof of a recent negative test.
“Given that a significant minority of our population is deeply opposed to vaccination, we think it is up to the government to look into these alternatives,” says Robinson. “There are many companies that are not subject to mandatory vaccine verification and want to protect their employees and customers with tests.”
The Kelowna Chamber also argues that the current health restrictions in Central Okanagan should be lifted when the vaccination pass system is introduced, and advises that if unvaccinated individuals cannot dine in restaurants, liquor sales should be ceased early. t are needed.
Where vaccination cards are required, the capacity limits should be increased, the chamber continues.
“We understand that increased vaccinations will help us return to normal, but we continue to urge the government to put in place a long-term plan for what the regulations will be when vaccinations reach their limit in British Columbia, regardless of whether how that boundary changes. “To be,” says Rogers.
“Not everyone will get vaccinated, nor should the government force them to do so. How do business and companies function in this environment in the long term? The government needs to involve companies across the province in this discussion so we know what 2022 looks like. “
The provincial government has announced that the program will run until at least the end of January 31st. The Kelowna Chamber requires that an end date be anchored in the order that legislature approval would be required to extend.
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The Chamber interviewed members from Thursday, August 20 through Tuesday, August 24. More than 25% (268) of the 1,000 members of the Kelowna Chamber responded. The short poll asked for their opinion on:
Do you support a vaccine verification system for non-essential activities?
RESULT: Yes 157 (57%) / No 97 (36%) / Unsure 18 (7%)
Are you considering plans to restrict access to your company?
RESULT: Yes 84 (31%) / No 163 (61%) / Unsure 21 (8%)
Are you in favor of using an inexpensive rapid test kit when it is available?
RESULT: Yes 165 (62%) / No 63 (24%) / Unsure 40 (14%)
