Image Credit: SUBMITTED/Province of B.C.
March 08, 2022 - 12:56 PM
An end to vaccine mandates in B.C. is being demanded by a half-dozen Chambers of Commerce in the Okanagan Valley.
They’ve copied the media on a letter to the Premier, Minister of Health and provincial health officer Dr. Bonnie Henry pointing out that 90% of people over the age of 18 are fully vaccinated and that number is not increasing.
“The economic impact of 10% of the population, plus their families and friends in some instances, not spending in general society (restaurants, events, gyms, community centers, etc.) is estimated at $1.4B economic loss annually for our small businesses in B.C. alone,” the letter states. “This is substantial and cannot be ignored.”
The estimate is based on monthly spending of $300 in restaurants, $200 on entertainment and $100 on recreation and fitness.
It goes on the say that B.C.’s tourism industry generated $22.3 billion in 2019 but dropped to $7.1 billion in 2020. Data is not available for 2021, it says.
“This is the largest industry in our region and already the hardest hit,” the letter says. “We anticipate it will suffer even further as many will choose to take holidays in provinces without restrictions over Spring Break and as we approach the warmer weather.”
It says that’s been proven in the United States where tourism in states without vaccine mandates has boomed.
The letter is signed by chambers of commerce from Armstrong, Lake Country, Peachland, Penticton, Summerland and the Board of Trade from West Kelowna.
It lists a number of concerns about ongoing vaccine mandates in B.C. at a time when they’re being lifted in other provinces.
It points to labour shortages in B.C. that might be worsened by workers choosing to relocate to provinces without vaccine mandates. Businesses may do the same and they’ve heard of medical professionals moving to Alberta.
“Business owners need to know that their doors won’t be closed, or capacities won’t be limited at the drop of a hat,” it says. “Currently our neighbouring provinces are offering that stability."
It also calls for transparency in how decisions are being made around COVID.
“Transparency has been requested from our government by our local Chambers in the past months and those requests have been ignored, but there is no denying that the harms of these mandates cannot be ignored and will only worsen with time,” the letter says. “It appears the science is differing from province to province. Health officials and leaders must be held accountable for their decisions and the impact that they have on our communities and businesses.”
Dr. Henry is expected to announce some relaxation of COVID restrictions this week but has stressed any easing will be gradual.
READ MORE: B.C.'s top doctor hints of COVID restrictions easing in time for spring break
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