Canadian Chamber glad to see hardest-hit sectors still supported, applaud vaccine credential

(OTTAWA) – October 21, 2021 – The Canadian Chamber of Commerce’s Senior Vice President, Policy and Government Relations, Mark Agnew, today issued the following statement on the government’s announcement regarding vaccine certification and the extension of support programs.

“Today’s announcement by the federal government on vaccine certification is a major leap forward in enabling businesses and the millions of Canadians they employ to get closer towards resuming a semblance of normalcy. We applaud the leadership of the federal, provincial and territorial governments in providing a standardized credential that can be used to facilitate travel and other activities across the country.  Vaccine credentials are a critical building block in our economic recovery while keeping Canadians safe.

However, the job is not done and businesses in the hardest-hit sectors continue to face capacity restrictions that prevent them from operating at full capacity. No business operator opens with a viable model based on half capacity, and these companies need continued support before the 2022 tourism season to ensure they do not permanently close their doors. The new retooled government support programs announced today will allow businesses who continue to be impacted by public health restrictions to survive until they can recover.  This is the fair thing to do for businesses that are playing their part to protect public health. The Canadian Chamber has prepared further commentary on this subject (see here).

We look forward to seeing further details of these newly announced programs and urge Parliamentarians to expeditiously consider legislation once Parliament resumes.”

About the Canadian Chamber of Commerce – Because Business Matters

The Canadian Chamber of Commerce helps build the businesses that support our families, our communities and our country. We do this by influencing government policy, by providing essential business services and by connecting businesses to information they can use, to opportunities for growth and to a network of local chambers, businesses, decision-makers and peers from across the country, in every sector of the economy and at all levels of government, as well as internationally. We are unapologetic in our support for business and the vital role it plays in building and sustaining our great nation.

-30-

For more information, please contact:

Phil Taylor
ptaylor@chamber.ca