A Calgary pizzeria, aptly named Without Papers Pizza, was aggressively targeted by bylaw officers and authorities after openly allowing patrons to partake in their services without showing proof of vaccination.

After ‘undercover’ bylaw officers entered, ordered and consumed their pizza without being asked for their vaccine passport, they promptly saw to it that the business lost all licensing; to serve food and alcohol, and ultimately to operate their business. The owner, Jesse Johnson, also received fines of $10k. He responded by filing a constitutional challenge due to be heard in court in mid-November.

Thanks to an earlier ruling that determined the mandates, and resulting bylaws, were invalid (see our post – Alberta Court Rules Hinshaw’s’ Public Health Order Violated Charter Rights), the bylaw infringements against Mr. Johnson were abandoned. That did not change the outcome for his business, however. The end result was still the loss of an iconic local restaurant, bankruptcy, strained family relations and significant loss of assets. It can be said that this was the desired outcome from the start – beat down all who opposed the word of the government.

Case by case we are seeing these fines and charges dropped; small victories that, in many cases, mask the underlying damages that have already been done.

Small businesses shutting down everywhere, incomes lost, struggles and depression growing. Everyone probably touted as a win by authorities but only by those truly short-sighted. Every business represents a local influx of tax dollars, fueling economic growth and supporting a flourishing community. The billions made in big box stores does not support or strengthen your town or city, but the struggles of our neighbours and loss of their businesses do add to local economic strain.

It is more important than ever that we support local businesses and industry. These are our neighbours and our communities. Stand strong, buy local and appreciate those around you every day. Especially those who stand with us all in this fight to maintain the livelihoods, rights and freedoms of all. Together we can do so much.