vaccine passports aren’t entirely new. yellow fever certificates have been used for years for travellers going to or from countries where that illness is common. the covid-19 vaccine passports will be much more widespread.
dozens of countries around the world have covid-19 vaccine requirements for travel and many have now launched their own version of a vaccine passport . most, like the european union’s “green pass,” are digital, while others, like the japanese version unveiled in late july, are starting on paper.
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the official digital passport will however use take data provided by the provinces and territories, who hold the vaccine records of their residents.
quebec is introducing a provincial passport next month that will be required for people who want to attend public events, go to the gym, or frequent a restaurant or bar.
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ontario and alberta have both said they will not provide provincial vaccine passports or make vaccination mandatory for anything, while other provinces have been more open to the notion of at least having a passport option.
leblanc said the federal government only has the mandate to handle a passport for international travel purposes, but that doesn’t mean the document couldn’t be used for more things.