Saturday, May 08, 2021

Edmonton Journal 
Saturday's letters: Province should step up for idled workers

With the recent announcement of restrictions on restaurant patios and personal services, it begs the question: where’s the data to support the shutdowns on these businesses? Are these just the easy pickings for the government to shut down?

© Larry Wong High Level Diner restaurant employee France Vargas serves a customer on the restaurant's outdoor patio in Edmonton on Wednesday May 5, 2021. The Alberta government announced new pandemic health restrictions yesterday. Indoor restaurant dining is prohibited and all outdoor restaurant patios must shut down effective 11:59pm on Sunday May 9, 2021.

My daughter is a hair stylist and server at a popular restaurant and has now been cut off from earning a living three times in the last year and a couple of months. What has the provincial government done to support my daughter with the lockdowns as it is their decision to shut down these businesses?

The federal government has stepped in but our province has neglected their duty. It would be interesting to see what would happen if our provincial government leaders were to stop accepting their pay for the same period they have shut down these businesses. I am safe to say this would not happen.

Andrew Patrick, Edmonton

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