A recent survey conducted by the Halifax Chamber of Commerce shows that support is very high for a “proof of vaccination” system for discretionary activities in the city.
The survey examined support from both businesses and the general public for proof of vaccines, “with exemptions and accommodations for those who cannot be vaccinated.”
The support between the two groups is virtually identical. The survey has a 5.6 percent margin of error 19 times out of 20.
The numbers are different, however, when broken down further into “very supportive” and “somewhat supportive.”
Seventy percent of businesses say they are very supportive of a vaccine mandate, compared to 58 percent of the general population. Meanwhile, 12 percent of businesses say they are just somewhat supportive, versus 23 percent of the general population.
“I think it’s probably fair to say that the business community is more in favour, even though when you put the two (categories) together it’s 82 percent,” observes Halifax Chamber President Patrick Sullivan.
A small portion of those surveys said they are neutral on the matter of proof-of-vaccine policy – 8 percent of the public, and 6 percent of businesses.
“One could say, as much as 88 to 90 per cent of people are either in favour or neutral. So, it’s really only 10 to 12 percent who are opposed,” observes Sullivan.
The survey was conducted with roughly a month to go before Nova Scotia implements a province-wide proof of vaccination policy for discretionary activities on October 4.
Sullivan believes support for such a program is so high in the business community because of how badly it has suffered throughout the pandemic with shutdowns. Business owners simply don’t want to be struck by a fourth wave that will end in more closed doors.
“Frankly, I think it’s businesses that have been suffering more over the last 18 months. Everyone suffered a little, but businesses, in particular, have been the ones shut down; have closed and have voluntarily closed in order to keep the public safe,” says Sullivan.
The Chamber still has some big concerns heading towards October 4, however. The province has stated it will not assign anyone to enforce the vaccine rules. Sullivan says businesses in Halifax don’t want to be responsible for such a task. He says the province should be doing periodic checks, instead.
“I think businesses would rather not know the health status of an individual,” said Sullivan. “They don’t need to know that. All they need to know is that they are a yes or a no (in terms of vaccination status).”
“The only alternative, really, is periodic spot checks by provincial authorities. But I don’t know who that will be.”
On Wednesday, the Nova Scotia Business and Labour Economic Coalition, which includes the Chamber of Commerce, will meet with Dr. Strang. During the meeting, the proof of vaccination policy will be discussed, along with other concerns.
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