Red Deer South MLA urges Premier Kenney to allow businesses to reopen

A message from the Facebook page of Red Deer South MLA Jason Stephan

There is a lot of suffering in our community right now. Many of our local businesses have been ordered to close. There is a human cost, sometimes great, that is difficult to properly account for in decisions mandating business closures.

I have listened to their stories, and yesterday, travelled and delivered in person to the Premier’s office, written requests signed by them, and by more than 200 other concerned members of our community, asking for businesses in our community, to reopen while respecting health recommendations, to provide livelihoods for themselves, their employees, and their families.

I recognize these requests may give offence to some. That is not the intention, there is too much contention. I hope we can have more empathy for each other.

Here is a perspective from a food and alcohol serving business ordered to close. Perhaps these real-life stories and feelings can lead to more understanding so that can help us be better in supporting and serving each other in these challenging times:

“I am reaching out today to ask for your help in pushing the provincial government and Alberta Health to expedite the reopening of the hospitality industry […] It should be noted that:”

“Many businesses have closed permanently. More will be forced to close over the next few months due to this current closure. Additionally as the runway to a complete reopening is sure to take considerable amounts of time then it can be assumed that many more will close trying to get to the end of the runway.”

“Additionally the long term effects of COVID, forced restrictions and lockdowns is numbing good operators and souring them on being in this industry. Our industry is full of passionate individuals and when the passion is gone our communities will lose out. Hospitality is the lifeblood of community.”

“The mental wellness of our industry operators and staff are at an all time low. Life and business uncertainty is causing intense anxiety for all in the hospitality industry.”

Related Topics:#JasonStephan #RedDeerSouthMLA #ReopenBusiness business feature

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When the going gets tough, Albertans stick together. That’s why Alberta’s government is launching a new campaign to benefit hard-working Albertans.

Global uncertainty is threatening the livelihoods of hard-working Alberta farmers, ranchers, processors and their families. The ‘Buy Local’ campaign, recently launched by Alberta’s government, encourages consumers to eat, drink and buy local to show our unified support for the province’s agriculture and food industry.

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Alberta’s government supports consumer choice. We are providing tools to help folks easily identify Alberta- and Canadian-made foods and products. Choosing local products keeps Albertans’ hard-earned dollars in our province. Whether it is farm-fresh vegetables, potatoes, honey, craft beer, frozen food or our world-renowned beef, Alberta has an abundance of fresh foods produced right on our doorstep.

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Red Deer South MLA urges Premier Kenney to allow businesses to reopen

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Red Deer South MLA urges Premier Kenney to allow businesses to reopen

A message from the Facebook page of Red Deer South MLA Jason Stephan

Share this:

Related

Follow Author

Made in Alberta! Province makes it easier to support local products with Buy Local program

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Share this:

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