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Thunder Bay Chamber of Commerce briefed on implementation of vaccine passport program

The Thunder Bay chamber of commerce met today with Government officials and was briefed on the implementation of the vaccine passport program.
Charla Robinson
Charla Robinson, President, Thunder Bay Chamber of Commerce

THUNDER BAY – The Thunder Bay chamber of commerce met Thursday with Government officials and was briefed on the implementation of the vaccine passport program.

“I just attended a meeting that was basically a briefing to walk folks through, businesses through, implementation questions, and so, there were some things that were helpful to provide clarity,” said Charla Robinson, President of the Thunder Bay Chamber of Commerce.

“I don’t think there was anything new per se, just a reminder of how the process is to work at this point, point of entry, it is the business that is required to check, and what those steps are.”

With the implementation of the program, the greatest challenges faced by local businesses seem to be the amount of staff needed to ensure that businesses continue to run smoothly under the new mandate.

“So, I think what we’ve seen so far, basically 24 hours into this, what I’ve heard is that it’s definitely adding to the staffing challenges for business, they have been trying to figure out how to adjust their staffing accordingly and that’s been a bit of a challenge,” Robinson said,

“Also, there seems to be a general lack of awareness by some patrons that this is even a requirement, and so, folks, even if they were vaccinated, showing up without the appropriate documentation, and then of course that’s a frustration because, you know, you’d like to get in and you technically are allowed to but you don’t have the paperwork.”

Some patrons are showing their frustrations with the situation causing some businesses to lose long-time customers, but Robinson says that she hasn’t yet heard of any major issues.

“At this point, I haven’t heard of any major issues, certainly some frustration from folks who have been told that they don’t have documentation, or that sort of thing, and they were not allowed to enter, But I do think that it’s going to be, as the weekend rolls out, that’s where most folks will be experiencing this for the first time,” Robinson said.

“We really need to help get the message out about what is required, and to just be kind, because it’s not the business owner that’s putting out this ruling, it’s the government, and they’re doing what they’ve been required to do and we’re just asking for patience as it will take a while to get some of the processes sorted out.”

In their meeting Thursday, the Chamber of Commerce asked the government how long the mandate will stay in effect.

“We asked that question today of the government officials, and of course they’re saying that this is one measure that they will continue to evaluate and at this point, they’re saying that they will only require this as long as absolutely necessary,” Robinson said

“So, you know, we’re kind of on a wait and see basis to see how COVID plays out, but certainly recognising that this is not meant to be a forever situation, however, we do need to get folks vaccinated so we can continue to have opportunities to continue to be able to do these things, and this is one way that businesses can continue to remain open.”



Justin Hardy

About the Author: Justin Hardy

Justin Hardy is a reporter born and raised in the Northwest.
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