The Kamloops Chamber of Commerce is calling for more transparency on the rationale for B.C.’s public health orders which they say appear to target some businesses more than others.
It says businesses like gyms and bars that were ordered to close just before Christmas have once again been greatly impacted by the orders put into place last month.
“Specifically, we are urging the government to produce rationale that would support the closures in the fitness industry and the reduced capacity and closures in the hospitality sector compared to other sectors, so that our members and the public can better understand the rationale for these orders and future orders,” Executive Director Acacia Pangilinan said, in a statement.
“For instance, how is the transmission at gyms exceptional to that of shopping malls or organized sports, which remain open without any additional restrictions?”
Another issue that many gym owners have with the orders is the fact that it applies to adults only. Gyms are allowed to stay open to people under the age of 18, but not to those over 18.
Speaking to NL News, Pangilinan says the Chamber understands the need for the orders but also noted that the measures appear to be “inconsistent and arbitrary,” making it more challenging for businesses and for people to accept.
“It seems right now that the province is painting this entire fitness industry with a broad brushstroke and there are many organizations who are following the rules and don’t have any documented cases of transmission in their facilities that they know of,” she said.
“I think what we are also looking for is a pathway forward for the industry.”
She also said the orders are creating an “unfair environment” as some gyms have refused to close their doors.
Two Kamloops gyms were fined $2,300 each last week, leading to BC Jobs Minister, Ravi Kahlon, saying those businesses that defy the orders won’t be eligible for the COVID-19 Closure Relief Grant. The grant will make up to $10,000 for eligible businesses to help pay for things like rent, wages, and utilities, with Kahlon noting it is designed to compliment existing federal programs.
But Pangilinan says gym owners are also frustrated by the underwhelming nature of the grant programs available to them.
“You know we really asked for the provincial government to come up with a plan so that these organizations can operate safely because these grant programs that they are introducing aren’t going to be enough to cover costs of many of these businesses,” she noted.
Pangilinan says if the data on the rational for the orders cannot be provided, the government should not extend any of the orders past next Tuesday, Jan. 18.
