The vaccinated may enter: Alberta's COVID-19 vaccine passport system begins today
The Alberta government has released more details about which businesses and institutions come under its new proof-of-vaccination program that allows some to operate without capacity limits and other public health measures.
Retail stores, libraries, hotels and post-secondary institutions don't have to take part in the United Conservative Party's so-called Restriction Exemption Program. Nor do worshippers at a church, employees on a worksite or students on a school trip.
Some restrictions will still apply. Stores must limit shoppers to one-third of normal capacity, for example.
Entertainment facilities from restaurants to nightclubs to art galleries are all eligible to participate in the program. They can operate normally as long as they require patrons to show proof of vaccination.
Eligible facilities that don't participate must work under public health rules that include capacity limits and mask requirements for indoor public spaces.
The program was announced last week by Premier Jason Kenney. Retail stores and libraries were initially on the list of eligible organizations but were removed over the weekend.
Kenney had previously opposed a vaccine passport over what he said were privacy concerns.
He switched to support for passports as Alberta's hospitals faced the prospect of being overwhelmed in the pandemic's fourth wave.
Starting Sunday, Albertans were able to download cards with the dates they'd received their vaccinations.
Some Albertans pointed out the cards were easily altered.
A health ministry spokeswoman says work continues on a more secure QR code that will be available in the coming weeks.
Over the weekend, the leaders of Alberta's largest health care unions said Kenney should ask the federal government for help from the military, the Red Cross and any other available medical resources able to assist the province's overwhelmed hospitals.
The United Nurses of Alberta, the Alberta Union of Provincial Employees, the Health Sciences Association of Alberta and the Canadian Union of Public Employees all said Alberta's health care system is collapsing right in front of their eyes.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Sept. 20, 2021.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Debunking the 'anti-sunscreen' movement: Doctors say TikTok trend is dangerous
Dermatologists are sounding the alarm about misinformation from the anti-sunscreen movement, saying not wearing sunscreen can cause cancer and other problems.
Poilievre Conservatives offer to help Trudeau Liberals pass foreign interference bill
Pierre Poilievre's Conservative Party is offering to help Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's Liberal government pass a piece of legislation aimed at countering foreign interference in Canada.
Three people shot to death in tiny South Dakota town; former mayor charged
Three people were shot to death in a small South Dakota town, and a former law officer who once served as the town's mayor is charged in the killings.
Ont. university says professor fired over 'unethical' sexual relationships with students
An associate professor at McMaster University has been fired after its board of governors found that he engaged in 'unethical, inappropriate and in some instances exploitative' sexual relationships with students.
Richard Dreyfuss' comments about women, LGBTQ2S+ people and diversity lead venue to apologize
The actor Richard Dreyfuss showed up in a dress at a 'Jaws'-themed event in Massachusetts, where the blockbuster 1975 movie he starred in was shot, and then proceeded to make demeaning remarks about women, LGBTQ2S+ people and diversity.
DEVELOPING Key witness lied on stand, Trump lawyer tells jurors during closing arguments in hush money trial
Donald Trump's landmark hush money trial turns on the testimony of a prosecution witness who told lies on the stand and cannot be trusted, a defence lawyer said Tuesday during closing arguments.
Quebec homeowner recalls moment tornado hit his farmhouse west of Montreal
A homeowner in western Quebec is recounting a narrow escape after his home was hit by a tornado Monday afternoon.
Canada's professional women’s soccer league name unveiled
Canada is set to embrace a new chapter in women’s soccer with the official unveiling of the new name of the professional league.
Severe thunderstorms, 15 cm of snow: Canadian weather forecast highlights
Well into spring, some parts of Canada could experience a wintry comeback, while other areas are bracing for severe thunderstorms, according to local forecasts.