CFIB calls on the Sask. government to support small businesses facing new public health restrictions

Saskatchewan’s incoming public health restrictions raise significant questions and concerns for affected businesses, in addition to imposing new costs and staffing challenges, says the Canadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB). CFIB is calling on the provincial government to work closely with business stakeholders over the next two weeks to ensure these questions and concerns are addressed before October 1.

“We appreciate the Government of Saskatchewan is trying to avoid another full out lockdown, as it would be devastating to small businesses. However, there are many logistical challenges the incoming public health restrictions will have for small businesses that must be addressed before October 1st,” said Jonathan Alward, CFIB’S director, prairie region. “In other provinces with a proof of vaccination program, CFIB has received hundreds of calls expressing concerns and questions, from how to implement such programs, to what their legal liability is.”

Some of the questions CFIB anticipates Saskatchewan small business owners will have about the new proof of vaccination or negative test requirements include:

- What can they do to protect their staff who have to refuse entry to unvaccinated patrons?

- Do event venues have to refund contracts (such as a wedding) if the clients are unvaccinated? Do they have liability immunity protecting them from being taken to small claims court for a cancelled event?

- How can they avoid fraud? Are they liable if a customer presents fraudulent or doctored documents?

- If the business owner or staff are unvaccinated, does that mean they cannot enter their own business as a patron?

Businesses affected by vaccine passports need more support

Recent CFIB research shows that 64 per cent of Saskatchewan’s small business owners agree vaccine passports would be a helpful replacement for lockdowns that would help keep most businesses open. However, these restrictions will still place significant costs and potential liability on business owners that will be required to participate in the new passport system.

CFIB is calling on the Government of Saskatchewan to support impacted businesses by:

- Creating a strong financial support program to help small business owners deal with increased labour costs, loss of customers and new costs for smart devices.

- Developing training for small businesses and their staff to help them when it comes to dealing with a very divided public, including what to do if a customer refuses to comply with the rules.

- Clarifying that a business will have to use its best efforts, but will not be liable if facing a fraudulent or doctored piece of evidence or if a customer refuses to comply with the rules.

- Making sure businesses aren’t hit with new or ongoing restrictions while having to carry out a government-mandated proof of vaccine program. If businesses are limited to fully vaccinated customers only, policies such as capacity limits must be avoided.

“Let’s not forget businesses that will check vaccine credentials or negative test results are also among the hardest hit by closures and restrictions, such as restaurants, fitness facilities and event venues. Many are still nowhere near fully recovered yet are also now dealing with massive debt and historic labour shortages,” added Alward. “The Government of Saskatchewan must provide significant support to these impacted businesses if they expect them to take on yet another burden.”