Manitoba Chambers of Commerce President Chuck Davidson has written to Premier Heather Stefanson for support for businesses in continuing to deal with challenges associated with COVID-19.  He notes they understand there must be a balance between supporting local business, stimulating the economy and protecting our province’s healthcare system.

Davidson writes there is no question that in the fourth wave Omicron is the main factor setting the capacity limits not provincial health orders adding even among businesses permitted to operate at 100 percent capacity most are operating at less than that. Ensuring that businesses have access to rapid tests to ensure their workforce is healthy is one way the government can support businesses and ensure they can keep their doors open but unfortunately they are having difficulty accessing rapid test kits.

He asks the government to design a comprehensive rapid test strategy and distribution plan to ensure the provision of rapid tests to businesses throughout the entire province quickly and efficiently once the shipment from the federal government has been received and ensure that those Manitoba businesses required to reduce capacity limits as a result of COVID-19 health orders are financially compensated.