They travel, businesses struggle Vacation travel isn't essential, is it?
Re: Head of Radio-Canada spent month of December in his Miami condo despite public health warnings, Jan. 14.
More news has come out about officials travelling abroad: This time, it's the head of Radio-Canada, who spent almost a month in Miami in December. This frustrates me, because we have just started a new 28-day shutdown. It's the middle of winter and we are told to “stay home.”
Obeying provincial and federal regulations is a must, because we want everyone to be safe, healthy and recover (in every way). However, the amount of stress this puts on many business owners is especially difficult, as we have to quickly adapt to constant change, all the while trying to make sure our business survives. For many, that can mean not being paid.
But while small businesses across Canada are adapting quickly and as best they can, while attempting to staying sane, we hear of over-privileged public servants and politicians — who have had steady pay since the pandemic started — travelling everywhere and anywhere. The only privilege we have is to think about surviving this pandemic. Mona EL Rafie, owner,
Rikochet Resale, Ottawa
Since we are now told that we are allowed out only for essential reasons, does this mean that anyone going to the airport in order to take a vacation in the sun is subject to a fine?
Surely taking a vacation is not considered essential. If that is the case, why not position a bylaw officer at the entrance to the airport and give out fines to almost everyone?
Or at least anyone who cannot explain why their trip is essential?
Intergovernmental Affairs Minister Dominic LeBlanc has said he cannot prevent Canadians from leaving the country, so this would solve his problem, at least in Ontario.
Ron Trisnan, Ottawa