Timmins chamber hosts Q&A on enforcing COVID health rules
The Timmins Chamber of Commerce said it's receiving many calls from local businesses asking about the enforcement of vaccine passports and other COVID-19 health regulations.
The chamber held a virtual town hall meeting Thursday afternoon with officials from the Porcupine Health Unit, Timmins Police and the city's bylaw department to answer the many questions people have.
“It’s been a lot of trying to figure out things," said Jonathan St-Pierre, a co-owner of Full Beard Brewing, when it comes to staying on top of all the different rules that change frequently.
St-Pierre is one of dozens of Timmins business owners who tuned into the online question and answer session.
When it comes to businesses not abiding by the regulations, people were told to contact a bylaw officer.
“The only issue is that we have to have evidence," said Sherry Laneville, supervisor of enforcement services for the City of Timmins.
"We get a lot of complaints from people -- they’ll see something posted on Facebook and then are very upset that we’re not out there charging people, but that’s not the case. We can’t charge people just because they’re posting something on Facebook that possibly hasn’t happened yet."
So far, Timmins police said they've received less than a dozen enforcement-related calls.
“When something arises where someone doesn’t want to comply with the business owner ... Timmins police is there to answer those complaints and deal with them appropriately," said Insp. Darren Dinel.
The Porcupine Health Unit can also be called in to investigate a variety of situations. For example, it said businesses are required to verify vaccine proof with every client on every visit.
“The table beside me didn’t see me get carded at the door, then that prompts the visit either by ourselves or bylaw because we’re getting the concerns that this place isn’t following the rules, that kind of thing. Public perception is key," said Suzanne Lajoie, manager of environmental health for the Porcupine Health Unit.
Back at the brewery, St-Pierre said checking vaccination QR codes is quick and easy.
“I feel this is a lot easier," he said. "You don’t give a lot of information that you don’t really want to give sometimes.”
The brewery also asks customers to scan a QR code when they arrive to make the contact tracing process run smoother, as well.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
BREAKING Israel attacks Iran, Reuters sources say; drones reported over Isfahan
Israel has attacked Iran, three people familiar with the matter told Reuters, as Iranian state media reported early on Friday that its forces had destroyed drones, days after Iran launched a retaliatory drone strike on Israel.
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer denied bail after being charged with killing Canadian couple
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer, one of two men charged in the killings of a Canadian couple in Dominica, has been denied bail.
Nearly half of China's major cities are sinking, researchers say
Nearly half of China's major cities are suffering 'moderate to severe' levels of subsidence, putting millions at risk of flooding especially as sea levels rise.
Prince Harry formally confirms he is now a U.S. resident
Prince Harry, the son of King Charles III and fifth in line to the British throne, has formally confirmed he is now a U.S. resident.
Judge says 'no evidence fully supports' murder case against Umar Zameer as jury starts deliberations
The judge presiding over the trial of a man accused of fatally running over a Toronto police officer is telling jurors the possible verdicts they may reach based on the evidence in the case.
Health Canada to change sperm donor screening rules for men who have sex with men
Health Canada will change its longstanding policy restricting gay and bisexual men from donating to sperm banks in Canada, CTV News has learned. The federal health agency has adopted a revised directive removing the ban on gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men, effective May 8.
Colin Jost names one celebrity who is great at hosting 'Saturday Night Live'
Colin Jost, who co-anchors Saturday Night Live's 'Weekend Update,' revealed who he thinks is one of the best hosts on the show.
Sports columnist apologizes for 'oafish' comments directed at Caitlin Clark. The controversy isn't over
A male columnist has apologized for a cringeworthy moment during former University of Iowa superstar and college basketball's highest scorer Caitlin Clark's first news conference as an Indiana Fever player.
'Shopaholic' author Sophie Kinsella reveals brain cancer diagnosis
Sophie Kinsella, the best-selling author behind the 'Shopaholic' book series, has revealed that she is receiving treatment for brain cancer.