Businesses across Alberta participating in the Restriction Exemption Program will receive funds, gain access to a training grant for employees, and more.

Premier Jason Kenney was joined by Minister of Health Jason Copping, Cheif Medical Officer of Health Doctor Deena Hinshaw, and Doug Schweitzer the Minister of Jobs, Economy, and Innovation.

Kenney spoke first, updating Albertans on the Restriction Exemption Program (REP), which was introduced in mid-September, and how it's affected vaccination rates in the province.

"Since launching the REP, we have seen 337,000 Albertans receive a vaccine, either the first, second, or third shot. In fact, we are likely to hit 80% first dose coverage within the eligible population by the end of the week. Vaccines work. That's why we introduced a proof of vaccination program."

Kenney also announced some new supports for businesses choosing to participate in the Restriction Exemption Program. 

  • A one-time payment of $2,000 for small and medium businesses that choose to implement the Restriction Exemption Program to offset costs associated with it
  • One million dollars is available to businesses for training to support the safety of workers when implementing the Restriction Exemption Program. This includes de-escalating situations and providing positive communication.
  • Provide new legislation to protect businesses that bring in vaccine mandates for their workforce
  • Raising the fine for mistreatment or harassment of public workers enforcing the Restriction Exemption Program from $2,000 to $4,000

According to Hinshaw, these are the latest COVID-19 numbers for Alberta:

In the past 24 hours, Alberta Heath Services identified 1,254 new COVID-19 cases. This brings the provincial total of active COVID-19 cases in Alberta to 18,411. There are 1,094 in the hospital due to COVID right now and 248 in intensive care.

In The City of Airdrie, there are currently 351 active cases of COVID-19. Rocky View County active cases sit at 147.

As for Alberta schools, there are active alerts or outbreaks in 751 schools, Of these, 52 are on outbreak status.