Ford says vaccine passports are the 'best chance' Ontario has to avoid another lockdown
Premier Doug Ford welcomed the launch of COVID-19 vaccine certificates in Ontario, saying the system is essential to prevent the province from entering into another lockdown.
The premier made the remarks at a news conference on Wednesday morning, just hours after the vaccine certificate system came into effect, noting the certificates are a temporary, but vital new measure to combat the disease.
Ontario's new vaccine certificate system requires patrons at dine-in restaurants, nightclubs, cinemas, gyms, sports facilities and other venues to present a receipt of full vaccination along with government identification before entering.
“These certificates, they're the best chance we have to get through these coming months without having to move backwards,” Ford told reporters on Wednesday.
“But, let me be very clear, this is a temporary and exceptional measure. We will only use these certificates for as long as they are needed and not one day longer.”
In Ontario, more than 85 per cent of people aged 12 and up have at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine in the province, and about 79 per cent of the eligible population have both doses.
Ford admitted that he was hesitant about implementing the certificate measure, but he added that health experts and the province’s medical officer of health convinced him the step was necessary.
“It's no secret that I was reluctant to use this tool, but our highest concern, what keeps me up at night, is ensuring we never lose our hard fought progress,” he said.
“We can't afford to shut down again, or experience a sudden surge in cases like we're seeing in other provinces across the country.”
The province said people with medical exemptions could use doctor’s notes to avoid the new rules. Businesses that don't comply with the certificate program and patrons who give false information may be fined.
“It's important that each of us remain patient, especially with business owners and frontline workers who are implementing the vaccine certificate,” Ford said.
“As we begin this vaccine certificate, there'll be a period of learning. I want to be clear, enforcement will lead with education and will be reasonable to business owners.”
The province’s online web portal where proof of vaccination certificates are obtained and vaccine appointments are scheduled was down earlier this morning for a previously scheduled maintenance, which occurs almost weekly.
The province says the website is usually unavailable each week for maintenance from 11 p.m. on Tuesday to 8 a.m. on Wednesday and from 11 p.m. on Saturday to 9 a.m. on Sunday.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
BREAKING Iran fires at suspected Israeli attack drones near Isfahan air base and nuclear site
Iran fired air defences at a major air base and a nuclear site early Friday morning near the central city of Isfahan after spotting drones, which were suspected to be part of an Israeli attack in retaliation for Tehran's unprecedented drone-and-missile assault on the country.
NEW After hearing thousands of last words, this hospital chaplain has advice for the living
Hospital chaplain J.S. Park opens up about death, grief and hearing thousands of last words, and shares his advice for the living.
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer denied bail after being charged with killing Canadian couple
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer, one of two men charged in the killings of a Canadian couple in Dominica, has been denied bail.
Ontario woman loses $15,000 to fake Walmart job scam
A woman who recently moved to Canada from India was searching for a job when she got caught in an online job scam and lost $15,000.
Prince Harry formally confirms he is now a U.S. resident
Prince Harry, the son of King Charles III and fifth in line to the British throne, has formally confirmed he is now a U.S. resident.
Colin Jost names one celebrity who is great at hosting 'Saturday Night Live'
Colin Jost, who co-anchors Saturday Night Live's 'Weekend Update,' revealed who he thinks is one of the best hosts on the show.
LeBlanc says he plans to run in next election, under Trudeau's leadership
Cabinet minister Dominic LeBlanc says he plans to run in the next election as a candidate under Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's leadership, amid questions about his rumoured interest in succeeding his longtime friend for the top job.
DEVELOPING Israel targets air defence system in Syria, state news agency says
Israel carried out a missile strike targeting an air defence unit in southern Syria, causing material damage, state-run SANA news agency quoted a military statement as saying Friday.
Some Canadian families will receive up to $620 per child today
More money will land in the pockets of some Canadian families on Friday for the latest Canada Child Benefit installment.