STAY CONNECTED: Have the stories that matter most delivered every night to your email inbox. Subscribe to our daily local news wrap.
(Government of Alberta)
restriction exemption program

New funding announced for businesses who require proof of vaccination

Oct 7, 2021 | 4:23 PM

LETHBRIDGE, AB – The Government of Alberta is introducing new supports for small and medium-sized companies who implement the new Restrictions Exemption Program (REP).

In September, Premier Jason Kenney announced the REP, which gives many companies the choice between requiring patrons to show that they have been vaccinated against COVID-19 or have new capacity limits.

READ MORE: Province declares State of Public Health Emergency, announces new vaccine requirements

Since the program came into effect, Kenney says 337,000 shots have been immunized against COVID, meaning around 85 per cent of the eligible population has at least their first dose.

To help support companies utilizing the REP, Kenney announced the following new supports:

  • A one-time grant of $2,000 for businesses implementing REP
  • $1-million to become available to train workers in the safe implementation of REP
  • Legislation will be introduced to legally protect companies from requiring vaccinations
  • Increasing fines from $2,000 to $4,000 for people who are abusive towards public servants

More information about these supports will be made available in the coming weeks.