NOL Response Template: Fitness Industry Business Owner

Insert your
address here

To: Insert Name and address
of the person you are sending
the letter to here

Date: Insert current date here 

Dear (insert name),

We have dedicated our lives to providing a space that promotes both physical and mental health, as well as a community for so many. Over the past 96 weeks, we have transformed our business to adapt to the ever-changing mandates and orders to try and keep the doors open. We have not had a single outbreak of any illness within our space, nor have we been provided any data that suggests, or proves, that our facility, or any facility for that matter, is a risk. Meanwhile, we, as well as many other small businesses, have incurred significant debt to keep our doors open, with no end in sight.

The orders came without any advance notice, and as a result business owners had no opportunity to prepare, or advise, their staff, or customers. For the past 22 months we all “did our part”. We distanced and isolated ourselves from one another. The impact this has had on mental health is evident, and it is time we start talking about it. A sense of belonging and connectedness are basic psychological needs. Both mental and physical health are essential to our overall well-being.

We sincerely care about your health, and the health of our community, which is why we are committed to being here for you. Today, we are standing together with fellow small business owners for our freedom, and for yours. Our door is open to you.

As Canadians, it is our guaranteed right to life, liberty, and security of the person. “There are no provisions in any orders of any health minister, doctor, or provincial legislation that can, nor pretend that any measures can, override Charter or other pre-Charter constitutional rights. All Statutes, Orders, By-laws, and Acts must be consistent with the Constitution…or they are of no force or effect” (Gaw, T. 2021. Action4Canada).

Section 52(1) of the Constitution Act, 1982: The Constitution of Canada is the supreme law of Canada, and any law that is inconsistent with the provisions of the Constitution is, to the extent of the inconsistency, of no force or effect.

It is our hope that in taking this stance, we will inspire others to do the same. We are incredibly grateful for the continued support, and resources we have had from Action4Canada. These resources are available to everyone. If you are a small business owner, we encourage you to learn your rights. It is time to take back our freedom. https://action4canada.com/business-resources/

 With regards,

(Sign
and print your name here)