Canada’s most populous province changes its mind and adopts digital vaccine passports

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OTTAWA, Sept. 1 (Reuters) – Ontario, Canada’s most populous province, said on Wednesday that people would have to prove digitally that they had been inoculated against COVID-19 to enter a wide range of establishments, leaving previously opposed to the idea.

From September 22, people will need full vaccination tests to visit bars, restaurants, nightclubs and indoor sports facilities. From October 22, the information will be stored as a digital vaccine passport on mobile devices.

Prime Minister Doug Ford, who initially opposed the idea on the grounds that it would “create a divided society,” said the spread of the Delta variant had demonstrated the need for additional measures.

“We need to take immediate action and we will, because we need to protect our hospitals. We need to avoid closures,” he told reporters, urging people to get vaccinated.

“This is something I didn’t want to do. This is a serious step we’re not taking lightly,” he said. Officials say 76% of Ontarians have received both shots.

Ontario Prime Minister Doug Ford receives Astrazeneca-Oxford coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccine from pharmacist Anmol Soor at Shoppers Drug Mart in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, on April 9, 2021. Nathan Denette / Pool via REUTERS

The number appears in the federal election campaign, where Liberal Prime Minister Justin Trudeau regularly criticizes opponents of the vaccine.

Last month, his government said it would require the vaccination of all federal public officials and many other workers. The mandate also includes air, train and cruise passengers.

“I will remain firm and unequivocal, unlike some other leaders, on the path to overcoming this pandemic,” Trudeau told reporters Wednesday.

Rival conservatives suggest that quick tests are an alternative to passports. Leader Erin O’Toole, however, says she will respect what the ten provinces decide to do.

Ontario is the fourth province to opt for passports. Quebec, the second most populous province, unveiled its own version on Wednesday, while British Columbia and Manitoba have announced plans to do so.

Report by David Ljunggren in Ottawa Matthew Lewis Edition

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