Alberta Update on COVID-19 and Supports for Businesses – October 7, 2021

In Calgary, Alberta Premier Jason Kenney provides an update on the COVID-19 situation in the province as well as support for businesses during the fourth wave of the pandemic. He is joined by ministers Jason Copping (health) and Doug Schweitzer (jobs, economy and innovation) as well as Dr. Deena Hinshaw, Alberta's chief medical officer of health. The premier announces his government is providing funding to help businesses offset costs of implementing the COVID-19 vaccine passport system. Eligible small- and medium-sized businesses will be able to apply for a one-time grant of $2,000. The government will also introduce legislation to protect businesses that mandate vaccination against COVID-19 from legal challenges. Fines will also be doubled for contravening public-health orders and for mistreating workers enforcing those orders, from $2,000 to $4,000. (no interpretation)