City under fire over no-mask cards
Exemption program opens door to abuse, business groups say
Edmonton business organizations are pushing back against mask exemption cards being offered by the city, concerned they will be abused and lead to non-compliance.
The city began offering the cards at seven recreation centres over the weekend, intended for residents who fit one of the exemptions in the city’s mandatory mask bylaw. Anyone who is exempt can pick up a card at one of the select facilities without needing to provide proof. Residents can also take more than one card for family members who may also be exempt. Edmonton is the only Canadian city issuing these exemption cards for mandatory mask rules.
More than 1,660 people obtained a card in the first two and a half days and soon they will be available to order through the mail.
Old Strathcona Business Association executive director Cherie Klassen said she was surprised to hear of the card exemptions, only a week after the rule came into effect and without consultation before the decision was made.
Klassen, who also serves as cochair of the Edmonton Business Improvement Area Council, offered concerns about the card being used as a loophole for those not wanting to wear a mask and increased pressure on businesses trying to enforce mask policies.
“I think the fact that the exemption cards are widely available at any rec centre and no sort of proof needs to be provided for a medical condition is a bit concerning that they may be abused,” Klassen said, noting she has heard of people just going to grab cards even though they don’t fall under an exemption. “It will create even more challenges for businesses as more and more people will want to be exempt from wearing masks.”
People unable to place, use or remove a face mask without assistance and those with mental or physical limitations or any other protected ground under the Alberta Human Rights Act that prevent them from wearing a mask are exempt.
Children under the age of two and people providing care to someone with a disability who would be hindered if the caregiver wears a face covering are also exempt.
The city’s mask bylaw to reduce the spread of COVID -19 came into effect Aug. 1 and requires people to wear a mask when entering any indoor public space, such as a mall or grocery store, as well on the city transit system and in vehicle-for-hire services.
Edmonton-based Masks4canada representative Matthew Butcher said it’s a tricky line because people with disabilities shouldn’t be denied service, but he is afraid others will abuse the system. Butcher, also a radiologist and clinical assistant professor at the University of Alberta, argued these exemption cards should have the same level of proof as accessible parking placards. These placards, issued by the province, require an application and approval by an authorized healthcare provider.
“If you don’t really have a medical condition and you’re using one of these, it’s like forging a disabled parking permit, it’s that level of unethical behaviour,” he said. “I think most Edmontonians, the vast majority of Edmontonians, are going to be responsible people who care for the community and do the right thing. I’m hopeful in the end this is not going to be a big issue.”
But in addressing the new program about 72 hours after it was made public, city spokeswoman Chrystal Coleman said requiring proof from a doctor would be cumbersome on the health-care system.
“City staff are not in a position to assess health information, were it presented to us by an individual. As such, obtaining a card is based on the honour system and the city trusts Edmontonians will view and use this program the way it was intended and not use it as a way to avoid wearing a mask or face covering when they are otherwise able to do so,” Coleman said in a Monday afternoon statement.
The cards were introduced in response to people with legitimate exemptions being challenged or made uncomfortable for not wearing a mask, Coleman said.
The city expects compliance to remain high and the first week of patrols found upward of 80 per cent of people wearing masks, Coleman said. Peace officers have observed more than 80-per-cent compliance during their patrols and 80- to 90-per-cent compliance specifically in city recreation centres and on the transit system.
Coun. Andrew Knack said he hopes this level of compliance doesn’t drop as more exemption cards are issued, otherwise the city might need to rethink the decision. But for now, he is waiting to see if these cards provide a solution for the challenges cited by the city.
The first week of the law was successful, Klassen said, but now she is concerned the exemption cards will have the opposite effect and decrease comfort levels. She said the goal should be to protect the public and keep businesses open, which may be getting lost.
“Overall, it feels like it complicates things rather than simplifies it. I think it is actually going against what the intention of the bylaw was,” she said. “We are actively supportive of protecting the public and that means protecting the livelihood of businesses.”