(Bloomberg) -- Business groups urged Canada's premiers to be more coherent and transparent in their response to the coronavirus as provinces lay down a patchwork of new restrictions to stem a second wave of infections.
The groups, which include the Canadian Chamber of Commerce and the Business Council of Canada, said Canadians get “far too many conflicting messages” about masks and social gatherings. People would be more likely to comply if they understood the details behind the decisions, they said.
“With cases increasing at an alarming rate, we recognize that you face a difficult balancing act between saving lives and saving livelihoods,” said the letter. “The challenge for us all is to chart a path forward that protects Canadians' health as well as their economic well-being.”
Canada passed 50,000 active cases this week -- up from about 21,000 a month ago -- as a second wave engulfs western parts of the country that were largely spared in the spring. Decisions about closing businesses and schools rest primarily with provincial and local authorities, which are no longer moving in near-lockstep on how they handle restrictions.
The business groups cautioned against “blanket approaches” and measures that punish low-risk businesses if there's evidence the rise in infections comes primarily from people flouting limits on social gatherings.
“Most Canadians and most businesses are following the rules. They should not be punished for the irresponsible actions of a few,” they wrote. “Those who endanger others should face consequences, with strong local enforcement.”
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