KAWARTHA LAKES-The Canadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB) says 60% of businesses required to use the vaccine passport system report lower sales as a direct result.
“Regardless of one’s views on vaccine passports, there’s no doubt they’ve led to a further drop in sales for small businesses required to use them,” says CFIB President Dan Kelly.
A survey done for the CFIB found that since the passport program started almost 70 % of hospitality businesses have reported lower sales and 62% of arts and recreation. Half also say the move has resulted in additional costs for their businesses.
“The CFIB is waiting to learn if the Ontario government will offer any support to those businesses required to use the system even longer.”
The Ontario government is expected to announce today that it will not be dropping the vaccine passport in January as initially announced.
Kelly says Alberta and PEI have offered some financial help but not Ontario.
The study found that more than half of the businesses also faced abuse or negative activity as a result of the requirement.
10% reported an increase in sales.
