Sault chamber of commerce wants reopening to happen sooner
A northern Ontario chamber of commerce is hoping for a more expedited reopening process in Ontario to help struggling businesses.
An official with Sault Ste. Marie's chamber said they're happy to see a plan from the Ford government that starts next Monday, but would have preferred to see the province stick to its original Jan. 26 date.
"Extending it another five days, there's certainly a lot of questions about how much impact that would really have," said chamber CEO Rory Ring.
"Other than again, stalling these businesses ability to get back at what they do best, which is running their businesses."
Ring said business owners have become accustomed to adapting throughout the pandemic and is encouraged the province is at least looking to get customers back into shops.
In most cases, members are also happy with Ontario's more conservative approach, he added, in comparison to some European countries who've moved to scrap their COVID-19 restrictions almost entirely this month.
"But watching how the global market unfolds, it does add some frustration to our current situation," he said. "Do we have to ban all protocols at this time? I would suggest no, but that's not to say you can't move into restricted capacity limits with all the protocols in place."
Under provincial guidelines, recreational facilities will also be able to reopen starting Monday.
The City of Sault Ste. Marie said it's still waiting for clarification on exactly what restrictions will be in place.
Ontario's three-stage reopening plan ends on March 14, with all indoor capacity limits being removed, but proof of vaccination remaining in effect.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Doctors ask Liberal government to reconsider capital gains tax change
The Canadian Medical Association is asking the federal government to reconsider its proposed changes to capital gains taxation, arguing it will affect doctors' retirement savings.
Keeping these exotic pets is 'cruel' and 'dangerous,' Canadian animal advocates say
Canadian pet owners are finding companionship beyond dogs and cats. Tigers, alligators, scorpions and tarantulas are among some of the exotic pets they are keeping in private homes, which pose risks to public safety and animal welfare, advocates say.
Prince William and wife Kate thank public for birthday messages for son Louis
Prince William and his wife Kate thanked the public for their messages which had been sent to mark the sixth birthday of their youngest son Louis on Tuesday.
She was the closest she'd ever been to meeting her biological father. Then life dealt her a blow
Anne Marie Cavner was the closest she'd ever been to meeting her biological father, but then life dealt her a blow. From an unexpected loss to a host of new relationships, a DNA test changed her life, and she doesn't regret a thing.
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.
RCMP uncovers plot to sell drones and equipment to Libya
The RCMP says it has uncovered a ploy to sell Chinese drones and military equipment to Libya illegally.
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.
'Catch-and-kill' strategy to be a focus as testimony resumes in Trump hush money case
A veteran tabloid publisher was expected to return to the witness stand Tuesday in Donald Trump's historic hush money trial.
Quebec farmers have been protesting since December. Is anyone listening?
Upset about high interest rates, growing paperwork and heavy regulatory burdens, protesting farmers have become a familiar sight across Quebec since December.