The vaccine passport irritates traders, but the Minister of the Economy, Pierre Fitzgibbon, asks them to be patient in order to contribute to the collective effort to reduce contagion and avoid aggravating the situation in overwhelmed hospitals.
“I think that the vaccine passport is a tool that public health has put [en place] to ensure that we control the contamination as much as possible, ”said the minister on Monday morning during a press conference on an investment in digital transformation.
Consumers must now present their vaccination passport to access big-box stores, i.e. those with an area greater than 1,500 square meters. The measure does not affect grocery stores or pharmacies.
The decision creates dissatisfaction among traders who must apply the measure. The obligation to assign employees to verify vaccination proof in a context of labor scarcity, fears for the safety of employees who have to refuse clients and the loss of clients are among the decried consequences.
Mr Fitzgibbon shares traders’ frustrations. “I can’t wait for this to end. I can’t wait to go to the restaurant. »
However, he believes that his government’s decision is the right one to prevent the critical situation from worsening in overwhelmed hospitals. “We listen to what is happening on the side of the WHO, he adds. There is a small sacrifice to be made for everyone. I think we should. »
Aid to restaurant owners delayed
Mr. Fitzgibbon also assured that the emergency aid promised to restaurateurs should be paid quickly. Restaurateurs have complained of not having received the promised aid, many suffering the repercussions of this new wave since the closure order in force since December 31.
The aid is paid by the local investment funds (FLI). Mr. Fitzgibbon explained that the holiday vacation may have delayed work in some FLIs. He specifies, however, that several restaurateurs have already received their check. “The instructions from the Ministry of the Economy are: “we write the checks”. If the checks aren’t done yet, they will be done soon. »
The Minister considers that the emergency aid provided to restaurateurs is “a good program”.
“The money is there. We will pay. The program is not complex. We have up to $15,000 for fixed costs. The federal government is there for rents and wages. We also have the $10,000 for the loss of perishable food. »
Digital transformation
The Legault government announced Monday morning funding of an additional $24.6 million to support eight new support projects for businesses that want to digitize part of their activities.
This aid is part of a total envelope of $130 million devoted to the digital transformation offensive. A sum of $56.8 million had already been granted. The government plans to make further announcements by March 31. Companies that receive aid must finance half of the service offered.
The amounts announced will be distributed among eight associations, which will support companies in their respective sectors. These include the tourism and festival sectors, which will receive $2.8 million to accelerate the digital shift. Interested companies will be entitled to support in drawing up a list of their computerization needs and then in finding the right technological solutions and the appropriate suppliers.
The aid also includes a package to build and then massively adopt digital business tools, including online shopping and booking technologies, ticketing and then digital delivery, among others. Representatives of the community received the news rather well.
“This investment will have a significant impact, as it will help increase [notre] ability to welcome customers, optimize ticketing revenues and shine digitally,” said François-G. Chevrier, general manager of Événements Attractions Québec. “Attractions and events are the heart of the tourism offer and stimulate travel, visits and spin-offs. It seemed important to us to support them so that they are able to meet the needs and expectations of consumers. »
The Network of Centers of Industrial Expertise, Sensation Mode, the Regroupement des cabinets de courtage d’assurance du Québec and the Food Processing Council of Québec are also targeted by this new funding.
“Our action will ensure that nearly 49,000 businesses will now be made aware of the importance of making a digital transition and that 11,000 of them will be supported in their approach,” said the Minister.
With Duty