New Brunswick — Premier Blaine Higgs last week unveiled new regulations for businesses that are offering takeout during COVID-19. Restaurants and pubs will now be permitted to deliver alcohol alongside prepared food, but the premier did place one restriction on the new rule: no delivering to miners.
“We recognize that it’s a tough time for everyone in the province right now, especially for those who are just trying to get hammered on a Tuesday afternoon,” said Higgs during Friday’s press conference. “But while adding the ability to deliver alcohol will come as a welcome relief to many, restaurant and delivery staff must take the proper precautions to ensure that they aren’t delivering to miners.”
Claire Sanderson, President of the Canadian Mining Institute’s New Brunswick chapter, couldn’t remain silent in the face of the announcement.
“It’s discrimination is what it is,” she said in a phone interview. “Miners in this province have been through enough in the past few years, with the decommissioning of the Sussex potash mine, you know. Who is the premier to say that these hard-working people can’t get a Singapore Sling with their delivery nachos if they want?”
As a result of the new regulation, all delivery drivers will now be required to check for Canadian Mining Institute membership IDs at the door.
New Brunswick’s unemployed miners will be hosting a rally in protest under the Legislature lawn next week. Physical distancing measures will be in place.