'We’re being forced': Local business push back against vaccine passport program
“The vaccine passport, putting the onus on small business owners is totally cowardly,” says Tom Lucier, owner of the Phog Lounge.
Lucier says he is not comfortable with verifying the vaccination status of his customers but will follow rules of Ontario’s vaccine certification program because he can’t afford to face the fines.
“It’s not our choice, we’re being forced,” says Lucier. “I’m a small business that has been taking care of myself, my staff and my children for almost twenty years because of this place. I’m not risking that.”
Other business against the vaccine passports are taking a different approach.
Krystle Bernauer, admin of the group Windsor-Essex Businesses Against Discrimination says restaurants like Family Kitchen in Leamington have decided to close their dining rooms and operate take-out only.
“Closing their dining rooms are going to financial setback for them, but they choose to stand for what they believe in,” says Bernauer.
“They believe that we should be able to come in to a facility regardless of what medical procedure we choose.”
Bernauer represents a group of approximately 400 local businesses who are against vaccine mandates.
“These businesses aren’t being selfish in any means,” she says. “They just want to provide services to everyone in the community. They’re not looking to say one choice over the other is better.”
The health unit is planning an enforcement blitz this week with a focus on “education first.” However, failing to comply with the requirements can result in charges under the Reopening Ontario Act.
“If we don’t stand up right now for what’s happening, slowly this is going to remove more rights from different businesses,” says Bernauer. “Our economy is not going to make it through.”
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
How quietly promised law changes in the 2024 federal budget could impact your day-to-day life
The 2024 federal budget released last week includes numerous big spending promises that have garnered headlines. But, tucked into the 416-page document are also series of smaller items, such as promising to amend the law regarding infant formula and to force banks to label government rebates, that you may have missed.
Which foods have the most plastics? You may be surprised
'How much plastic will you have for dinner, sir? And you, ma'am?' While that may seem like a line from a satirical skit on Saturday Night Live, research is showing it's much too close to reality.
opinion I've been a criminal attorney for decades. Here's what I think about the case against Trump
Joey Jackson, a criminal defence attorney and a legal analyst for CNN, outlines what he thinks about the criminal case against Donald Trump in the 'hush money trial.'
$3.8M home in B.C.'s Okanagan has steel shell for extra wildfire protection
A home in B.C.'s Okanagan that features a weathering steel shell designed to provide some protection against wildfires has been listed for sale at $3.8 million.
Diver pinned under water by an alligator figured he had choice. Lose his arm or lose his life
An alligator attacked a diver on April 15 as he surfaced from his dive, nearly out of air. His tank emptied with the gator's jaws crushing the arm he put up in defence.
Psychologist becomes first person in Peru to die by euthanasia after fighting in court for years
A Peruvian psychologist who suffered from an incurable disease that weakened her muscles and had her confined to her bed for several years, died by euthanasia, her lawyer said Monday, becoming the first person in the country to obtain the right to die with medical assistance.
Mystery surrounds giant custom Canucks jerseys worn by Lions Gate Bridge statues
The giant stone statues guarding the Lions Gate Bridge have been dressed in custom Vancouver Canucks jerseys as the NHL playoffs get underway.
Celebrity designer sentenced to 18 months in prison for smuggling crocodile handbags
A leading fashion designer whose accessories were used by celebrities from Britney Spears to the cast of the 'Sex and the City' TV series was sentenced Monday to 18 months in prison after pleading guilty in Miami federal court on charges of smuggling crocodile handbags from her native Colombia.
Wildfire leads to evacuation order issued for northeast Alberta community
An evacuation order was issued on Monday afternoon for homes in the area of Cold Lake First Nation.