Vaccine passport comes into effect in Quebec on September 1

Vaccine passport comes into effect in Quebec on September 1

As of September 1, a vaccine passport will be required to access non-essential services and activities in Quebec that have been deemed high-risk for spreading COVID-19. In a press conference yesterday, Health Minister Christian Dubé said that the passports will apply to bars, restaurants, gyms, large-capacity venues and festivals.

“If we don’t want to lock down again and close businesses, the best way is vaccination. Also, to avoid lockdowns, we will use a vaccine passport,” he said (translated).

At the moment, the passports do not apply to retail businesses, according to the minister. Religious services also don’t fall under the mandate, but Dubé said that he would be having discussions with the community in the coming days.

Smart phone QR codes
As far as the implementation of the measure, the government will rely heavily on technology, as Quebecers will be able to download a QR code to their smart phone proving their vaccination status. A free application will be made available on all platforms for citizens and business owners, and more details on the app will be unveiled the week of August 23. The more technologically averse will be able to present a printed copy of their vaccination status.

Impact in the Pontiac
This new measure will come into force this fall during the Shawville Fair, which takes place over the Labour Day weekend. As far as employees of the facilities requiring passports, like bars or gyms, they will not be required to be vaccinated. Dubé said that aspects of the Labour Code influenced the decision, but he added that the situation could change.

More details to come.