by: brian lilley
ontario’s provincial government is moving to clarify when proof of vaccination is needed when it comes to funerals and weddings.
the clarification comes after the bereavement authority of ontario issued guidelines saying that the new vaccine passport system coming into effect sept. 22 would apply to funeral homes, services and receptions.
but the provincial guidance spells out that proof of vaccination is not needed for funerals regardless of whether they are held in a place of worship or at a funeral home. the same goes for funeral receptions held at those locations.
however, if a funeral is held at a local funeral home and a reception is held at the local legion, community centre or other event space, then proof of vaccination would be required for the reception.
the requirement for proof of vaccination comes into effect on sept. 22 but there will be a time limited option of providing a negative test that will expire on oct. 12.
cabinet approved the policy directive on wednesday along with other regulations surrounding the introduction of the vaccine certificate.
“this is in recognition of the importance of these life milestones and the inability to plan for them,” a senior government source said.