Province offering $2K in business support for proof-of-vax program, stiffer fines for rule breakers

CALGARY — The Alberta government says businesses can get a $2,000 grant to help implement the vaccine passport system, which will pay for equipment such as QR code scanners, and help businesses stay in line with the rules.

The government made the announcement in a news conference on Thursday, where it also unveiled plans for a training program to help businesses create safe workspaces. Jobs Minister Doug Schweitzer says it’s still in the works.

“It’s going to take us in the neighbourhood of four to six weeks to get this off the ground,” Schweitzer said. “Similar to other programs that we have, we have to get the backend, databases, and portals all put into place.”

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He says the government is spending $1 million on the training initiative.

“We want to make sure that we provide those workers with as much training as possible,” Schweitzer says. “To deal with the de-escalation of a situation, making sure that they can keep themselves safe, and also make sure that the environment is safe for those around them that are customers of those businesses.”

During the same announcement, Schweitzer said stiffer fines are coming for people harassing and abusing staff that enforce COVID restrictions. You’ll now have to pay double for breaking the rules.

“We want to send a strong signal that this type of behaviour will not be tolerated in Alberta,” Schweitzer said. “We don’t accept it, it’s not a part of our culture, we condemn it. So, that’s one of the reasons why we’re increasing that fine from $2,000 to $4,000.”