Image from City of Medicine Hat

By Darren Rathwell

staffing issues exist following program's end

Vaccine proof program ‘challenging’ for city

Feb 10, 2022 | 5:35 PM

MEDICINE HAT, AB – Officials say staffing at some city operations in Medicine Hat are in flux following this week’s lifting of Alberta’s Restrictions Exemption Program.

Among the major city facilities placed under the REP were Co-op Place, the Big Marble Go Centre and the Kinplex.

Following this week’s announcement by Premier Jason Kenney to end the program, front-line city staff are no longer required to check for proof of vaccination, and food services will return to locations where it was previously removed under the REP.

The city says new staff are needed to operate some of the food outlets, as former employees won’t be coming back in all cases. However, it isn’t clear how many workers may be needed at this point.

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City officials also say the implementation of the REP was a challenging situation.

“It was tough for the community, it was tough for the staff who had to administer (the proof of vax checks) and a tough period of time I think for everybody involved in enduring through the pandemic,’ said Brian Mastel, acting city manager. “And I’m very hopeful we’re seeing the later stages of it, and happy to see the community come in the way they were more used to.”

Staffing of security at operations formerly under the REP is also being looked at as checking for proof of vaccination is no longer needed.

Mastel also says there is renewed interest by entertainers in having shows at Medicine Hat venues.