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Editorial: Show local shops support

New restrictions in Alberta have some people at their wits' end, but the outlook isn't entirely dire. Jason Kenney announced Dec.
opinion editorial stock

New restrictions in Alberta have some people at their wits' end, but the outlook isn't entirely dire.

Premier Jason Kenney announced Dec. 8 that restaurants would be closed to dine-in services, retail operations would be limited to 15 per cent capacity, personal services like hairstylists and massage therapists as well as fitness facilities would be shut down, and public spaces like art galleries, museums, casinos and bingo halls would be closed until at least Jan. 11.

For some, this is a blow right before the holidays. It means turning to government assistance for paycheques rather than working for those who have been temporarily laid off, often for the second time this year.

It also means added stress for store owners who now have to manage a further reduced capacity at the crux of Christmas shopping.

But it doesn't have to be a doom-and-gloom situation; in fact, it could have been worse.

Our restaurants are still open for take-out and delivery, local retail businesses are able to stay open at what could arguably be their busiest time of the year.

There is opportunity for people to shop and support the local economy during the Christmas season and into the new year, and these businesses need our help now more than ever.

Christmas shoppers can also help out those who had to close their doors by keeping gift cards for services or memberships for gyms in mind when gift-giving.

While it's not the news people wanted to hear just weeks before the holidays, there is an opportunity to throw support behind the shops and restaurants that have built up our community, and help build them up during this difficult time.

We will all get through this, together.

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