Thought of the Day - September 30 2021 - Vaccine Passports Across the Board

Well, once Quebec broke the ice in August, with the official announcement they would be introducing a provincial vaccine passport on September 1, other provinces have rapidly followed suit.

That said, in contrast, the Territories, however, have yet to make any announcement concerning passports.

Moreover, the Federal Government, which also announced a vaccine passport needed for re-entry to Canada, has said nothing since. Canada has yet to join the many countries and regions across the globe using vaccine passports for international travel. The initial announcement mentioned early fall, so I guess this means late October (as early November would be late fall).

Here’s a breakdown of the rapidly-changing state of vaccine passports across the country:

Alberta

How will it work?

Alberta, a province that vehemently denied mechanisms such as a vaccine passport, is now introducing one. Between September 20 and October 25, businesses will be given the choice to either require customers to provide proof of vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test within the previous 72 hours.

What does it look like?

It was announced that Albertans should have access to “a conveniently sized paper card” from their provincial health website by mid-September. But it is not a paper card unless you print it yourself. Or, you can choose to save it as a digital image.

British Columbia

How will it work?

As of September 13, British Columbians need at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine to be permitted entry into places like concerts, sports games, pubs, restaurants and fitness centres.

And come October 24, people in the province will need to be fully vaccinated to enjoy those activities, after seven days of being immunized. British Columbia healthcare workers have until October 26th to be fully vaccinated. Henry confirmed that the BC government “will not be denying people essential services based on their vaccination status”.

What does it look like?

BC "Vaccine Card" to prove immunization status, B.C. has implemented physical copies of QR code-based vaccine passports, the image of which can be stored on a digital device or printed, and needs to be accompanied with government ID.

Manitoba

How will it work?

Actually, Manitoba was one of the first Canadian provinces to officially launch a vaccine passport way back in June 2021. Outgoing Premier Brian Pallister was not shy of referring to this as “vaccine passports,” when he introduced the mandate ahead of his departure. Facilities, activities and events across Manitoba now require the vaccine passport for entry, since the mandate came into effect on September 3rd. Manitoba also has COVID-19 vaccine mandates for public sector workers including doctors, teachers, prison guards, and nurses.

What does it look like?

QR codes are available for anyone who is fully vaccinated in Manitoba. Individuals can request the Manitoba Digital Immunization Card by registering online at gov.mb.ca, or fill in the form to request a physical card. The card contains a QR code as well as the holder’s name and surname.

New Brunswick

How will it work?

New Brunswick mandated a vaccine passport beginning September 22 for anyone over the age of 12. ID and proof that they’re fully immunized are required before entering most businesses, service centres or public gatherings. This includes indoor festivals, indoor and outdoor dining, gyms, cinemas, gatherings like weddings and funerals, and more. Moreover, anyone from outside the province will need to register their travel. Those who are not fully vaccinated will have to self-isolate for 14 days or test negative after day 10.

What does it look like?

Immunization records are available to New Brunswickers, but they must be printed or be ready for digital display by residents themselves. At the moment a specific QR-based vaccine passport system will not be provided, instead, a notice has been issued by New Brunswick's Horizon Health asking residents to "Stop asking staff to write fake vaccine records".

Newfoundland and Labrador

How will it work?

Residents of Newfoundland and Labrador who received their vaccine can access their immunization records online. ​On September 7, the province announced it will introduce an official "vaccine passport" system. Premier Andrew Furey said that Newfoundland and Labrador will be using Quebec's model for the vaccine passport. However, they are still working on the list of restrictions that will be implemented on October 8 when the passport system is to be in place.

What does it look like?

QR codes will be issued to show a person's level of vaccination. There was a plan to enhance the VaccPass system to include a photo id so users will not have to present a photo ID but it looks like this will not be done for the October launch.

Nova Scotia

How will it work?

On September 8, Nova Scotia announced it will require "proof of vaccination" for places like concerts, movies, bars, restaurants and fitness facilities (for some reason the government insists it is not the same as a vaccine passport). The requirement will come into effect on October 4.

What does it look like?

Nova Scotians can already show QR code proof of vaccination through the provincial CANImmunize app, proof can be either printed or shown digitally per the new mandate. The province says that they are also going to develop a separate and complete "digital option."

Ontario

How will it work?

Starting September 22, Ontarians must show their vaccine receipt and government-issued ID to access most indoor establishments. However, those rules do not apply to services like retail stores and hair salons, where people can still enter without showing immunization records.

What does it look like?

Official vaccine passports are not yet available, a QR-code system will be launched on October 24th. Until then, vaccinated people over the age of 12 can use paper or digital vaccine receipts to access services. By Oct. 22, the province plans to issue QR codes to serve as proof of vaccination, which can be scanned by businesses using a government app. There will be no physical copies of Ontario’s vaccine passport provided by the province, but people can print it themselves if needed.

Prince Edward Island

How will it work?

In part due to limited community spread, Prince Edward Island has not yet to introduce a vaccine passport. Travellers and residents are required to register for a “PEI Pass” upon return from another jurisdiction. The pass is available to all Canadians with at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine. It allows an exemption from self-isolation upon entry to the province. Still, there is a declaration form as a go-around to these rules, whereby a person can say they will be self-isolating and be tested in lieu of the PEI pass. That said PEI will commence their PEI Vax Pass Program on October 5th.

What does it look like?

Initially, Island residents and visitors will need to show proof using their government-issued vaccination record along with a valid government-issued photo ID. Later, a PEI Vax Pass will be introduced for Island residents will be QR-code based.

Quebec

How will it work?

Quebec became the first Canadian province to mandate COVID-19 vaccine passports, as of September 1. There are few things one can do in the jurisdiction without showing their immunization status — the passport will be needed when going to restaurants or bars, to gyms, festivals, sports venues and large-scale events. In fact, businesses and people in violation of the vaccine passport system could face thousands of dollars in fines unless they are under one of two exempt categories. Those who are exempt only include people "with contraindications to vaccination against COVID-19" and individuals who participated in the local Medicago vaccine trial. However, shops will not require the vaccine passport.

What does it look like?

People in Quebec can present the QR code with the VaxiCode mobile app, a PDF on a digital device or printed out, to show proof of immunization. Confirming government photo ID will also be required.

Saskatchewan

How will it work?

Saskatchewan has walked back on its approach to vaccine passports, which it previously called “heavy-handed.” From October 1 vaccine passports or negative coronavirus tests are required before entering most businesses. There are no limits on indoor and outdoor public gatherings, but employees of Crown corporations have to have regular tests done or be fully vaccinated.

What does it look like?

The province had previously said it was already developing QR codes for immunization records, which will soon be readily available to serve as vaccine passports. Anyone with a MySaskHealthRecord account should be able to get their QR code by the end of September, according to the province’s health records department.

In Summary

Ironically although each province started in a different place, and has largely introduced homegrown vaccine passport implementations, in the end, the different provincial solutions have a lot in common. They cover similar restrictions, mostly utilizing simple QR codes requiring confirming government ID, to be check by most non-essential organizations and venues. And, of course, coupled with similar levels of protest.

Cheers

Cliff