The Kamloops Chamber of Commerce will be surveying their members about the new targeted wage and rent subsidies announced last week by the Federal Government.

Executive Director Acacia Pangilinan says it is as number of local businesses and non-profits were relying on the now-cancelled Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy and the Canada Emergency Rent Subsidy.

“My first review of the thresholds is that it seems like it could be a barrier for some of our organizations but at the end of the day, the Federal Government is really getting targeted with their support,” she said. “That is a good approach, the Chamber feels, to really try and help those who need it the most.”

“We’ll also be talking with our members over this week who are looking at the new programs and seeing if they are eligible.”

Pangilinan says local non-profit organizations are more likely to be impacted by the change in federal government supports.

“Those thresholds seem like they could be a barrier for some of our not-for-profit organizations so we’ll check in with you once we’ve chatted with those members too. But also on first glance, it is good to have these programs for businesses.”

The new benefit programs will be in place until May 7, 2022 with an estimated price tag of $7.4 billion.

Chamber to survey members on new vaccine passport regulations

The Kamloops Chamber of Commerce also plans to survey its members now that people also have to be fully vaccinated to go places like restaurants and movie theatres in B.C., a requirement which came into effect on Sunday, Oct. 24.

Pangilinan says it will be to see if there are significant changes to the rules that were in place fort the past few weeks.

“From the members we’ve spoken with there hasn’t been too many challenges with the rollout of the program, so we’ll get back to you on that once we’ve chatted more with our members how this week goes,” she said.

B.C.’s vaccine card system is set to be in place until at least January 31, though health officials have warned it may be extended, depending on the spread of COVID-19 in the province.

People have had to show proof of at least one dose of a vaccine as of Sept. 13 to go to indoor ticketed sporting events or shows, to eat at restaurants, to use fitness centres or casinos or to be a part of indoor organized events like conferences and weddings.