Salons are Safe and need to reopen!

TORONTO –The Red Balloon Wednesday Campaign continues to gain momentum across the country after the 3rd week of protest. “We need to reopen now. If we don’t make changes, support safe opening and consider subsidies, many business owners will be forced into bankruptcy and/or to work underground. We have been devastated by the COVID lockdowns and need an immediate plan from the government. This is a $7 billion industry that is in jeopardy!” claims Sandra Fiore, Chairperson of the Allied Beauty Association of Canada.

The Allied Beauty Association of Canada and other industry associations across the country including OPHA (Ontario Professional Hair Stylists Association), Beauty Council (beautycouncil.ca) and several major suppliers have joined forces to raise awareness about the impact this is having on the industry as a whole.

The ABA has added a new program for all members to continue to build skills and knowledge about infection control. “We want to assure clients and the government that Salons are Safe. We have always been safe but will continue to upgrade our programs so that our members have access to the most current information” adds Fiore.

This new certification program will be offered free to all members with specific protocols for Hairdressing, Barbering and Esthetics. “We have always had good controls in our industry and we have proven that we are safe to operate” says Heather Wenman, CEO of StudioHartistgroup.com. “Our Salons are Safe! This program is over and above what any other industry is doing. We’ve been ready to open for months and have always gone over and above public health safety protocols. Our government has failed this industry. It’s time to be heard!” adds Wenman.

“It’s time for us to stand together as an industry and raise awareness about the impact this decision has had on over 35,000 salons across the country.” says Tanya Hill Vice President of Ontario Professional Beauty Associations. “It’s time to fight back and raise awareness so people understand how this industry has been impacted.”

Join Red Balloon Wednesdays! This joint initiative is fueled by the frustration of industry professionals. The protest continues this Wed. June 9 at 12:00 EST and is gaining momentum with over 5,000 participants and a reach of over 400,000 on social media.

Clients and industry plan to show their solidarity every Wednesday until they are open! Five industry representatives will safely protest in Queens Park Wednesday June 9 at 12:00pm EST and they invite everyone to join virtually by placing a balloon on your front step, place of business or tie it to a nearby tree or mailbox.

For more information about Red Balloon Wednesdays please visit https://abacanada.com/redballoonwednesdays and join our program of protest.

Media Contact: City Media Katherine Haine [email protected] 519-808-7878

About ABA Canada: The ABA is the only National Canadian association working for you – the Beauty Professional. This non-profit membership organization; staffed with a few permanent employees supporting an elected board of directors along with a handful of task force groups and advisory councils comprised of corporate and professional members; has been dedicated to supporting and educating Beauty Professionals across Canada.

About OPHA: OPHA’s mission is to unite and support licensed professional hairstylists and registered hairstylist apprentices by being a voice to government, and community partners on regulations, licensing, and hairstyling standards. To inspire excellence, and to ensure the health and safety standards for our community of clients, contributors and partners while sustaining our future as a professional trade through training, apprentice, mentoring and accountability.