ACC media release: February 18, 2021
For immediate release
Businesses "in the dark" about restrictions, reopening
EDMONTON — A recent Alberta Chambers of Commerce (ACC) survey shows while many business operators have been affected by COVID-19 restrictions, most have not received information on why these restrictions are necessary or what they can do to reopen.

Of more than 500 survey respondents, 63 per cent had been required to either close or limit operations due to COVID-19 restrictions. These individuals were then given the option to complete additional questions on the circumstances of their business.

Of businesses facing closure or reduced operations, 75 per cent of operators were not provided with data on the risks of their business continuing to operate as usual. Fifty-six per cent of respondents were not provided with government policy outlining why they were required to close or limit operations.
Of businesses facing closure or reduced operations, 75 per cent of operators were not provided with data on the risks of their business continuing to operate as usual.
Further, more than 50 per cent of operators who had been forced to close or limit operations had not been provided with guidelines on reopening or resuming usual operations.
Of businesses required to close or limit operations, more than 50 per cent of operators had not been provided with guidelines on steps to reopen or resume usual operations.
ACC President and CEO Ken Kobly says these data show the business community needs more transparency around the restrictions it is facing.

"We have always advised—and will continue to advise—business operators to follow the direction of the Alberta Government and Chief Medical Officer of Health," says Kobly. "However, these data show business operators are really in the dark about the reasons behind this direction. There's been a clear breakdown of communication."

Kobly also suggests government could do more to formalize and promote the process business operators can use to apply for an exemption.

"While we are dealing with a relatively small sample, we've seen that when business operators apply for an exemption, they have about a 75 per cent chance of being at least partially successful," says Kobly. "However, for one reason on another, many business operators haven't applied or haven't made it through the process.

"Streamlining the exemption process could go a long way towards reducing the frustration business operators are experiencing, giving Alberta's job creators an option to safely adapt to the COVID-19 environment."
Most survey respondents either did not or were unable to apply for an exemption from closing or limiting operations of their business. However, of those who did apply, nearly 75 per cent were successful in securing at least a partial exemption.
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For comment, please contact: 

Ken Kobly
President and CEO
Alberta Chambers of Commerce
(M) 780.975.1659
(P) 780.425.4180 Ext.5
kkobly@abchamber.ca

The Alberta Chambers of Commerce is a federation of 122 community-based chambers of commerce representing more than 25,000 job creators.

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