Timmins business community reacts to province lifting pandemic health rules
It was a happy Valentine's Day for Dominic Flaminio of the Porcupine Dante Club. As the general manager hosted 100 sweethearts over two dinner sittings.
He's also heard the news that COVID-19 public health restrictions are lifting sooner, which means the club can get back to doing what it does best--hosting banquets--as it's been tough the past two years.
"The no dancing (restriction)…so a lot of weddings got impacted, so I didn’t book any weddings for almost two years ...The ones we did do were outside catering," said Flaminio.
He said support from clients and financial subsidies from the Ontario government have carried the organization through the pandemic. Now, he's excited to be moving forward.
"I have a few more Saturdays in the summer to book up and if I can book those two up, I’ll have a full summer this summer for the first time in three years," Flaminio said.
The province said it will also lift proof of vaccination requirements as of March 1, but businesses and other settings may choose to continue with that rule.
"At the end of the day, if the business owner wishes or chooses to leave certain safety measures in place, they’re welcome to do so, so long as you know they don’t infringe on anybody’s particular discriminatory rights or at least are within the lines of the Ontario Human Rights Code and Commission," said Cameron Grant, senior policy analyst government and stakeholder relations with the Timmins Chamber of Commerce
The Ontario Chamber of Commerce said the plan to reduce restrictions will only be successful if it is accompanied by the necessary measures to support business predictability, build public confidence and sustain the re-opening.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
How quietly promised law changes in the 2024 federal budget could impact your day-to-day life
The 2024 federal budget released last week includes numerous big spending promises that have garnered headlines. But, tucked into the 416-page document are also series of smaller items, such as promising to amend the law regarding infant formula and to force banks to label government rebates, that you may have missed.
Which foods have the most plastics? You may be surprised
'How much plastic will you have for dinner, sir? And you, ma'am?' While that may seem like a line from a satirical skit on Saturday Night Live, research is showing it's much too close to reality.
opinion I've been a criminal attorney for decades. Here's what I think about the case against Trump
Joey Jackson, a criminal defence attorney and a legal analyst for CNN, outlines what he thinks about the criminal case against Donald Trump in the 'hush money trial.'
$3.8M home in B.C.'s Okanagan has steel shell for extra wildfire protection
A home in B.C.'s Okanagan that features a weathering steel shell designed to provide some protection against wildfires has been listed for sale at $3.8 million.
Diver pinned under water by an alligator figured he had choice. Lose his arm or lose his life
An alligator attacked a diver on April 15 as he surfaced from his dive, nearly out of air. His tank emptied with the gator's jaws crushing the arm he put up in defence.
Psychologist becomes first person in Peru to die by euthanasia after fighting in court for years
A Peruvian psychologist who suffered from an incurable disease that weakened her muscles and had her confined to her bed for several years, died by euthanasia, her lawyer said Monday, becoming the first person in the country to obtain the right to die with medical assistance.
Mystery surrounds giant custom Canucks jerseys worn by Lions Gate Bridge statues
The giant stone statues guarding the Lions Gate Bridge have been dressed in custom Vancouver Canucks jerseys as the NHL playoffs get underway.
Celebrity designer sentenced to 18 months in prison for smuggling crocodile handbags
A leading fashion designer whose accessories were used by celebrities from Britney Spears to the cast of the 'Sex and the City' TV series was sentenced Monday to 18 months in prison after pleading guilty in Miami federal court on charges of smuggling crocodile handbags from her native Colombia.
Wildfire leads to evacuation order issued for northeast Alberta community
An evacuation order was issued on Monday afternoon for homes in the area of Cold Lake First Nation.