'A critical time': Alberta's top doctor calls out individuals trying to use fake COVID-19 vaccine cards
It's been nearly a week since the Alberta government adopted an easy-to-use tool to produce a printable proof of vaccination card, but the project has been criticized by many as being flawed and easy to exploit.
The issues with the cards have now come to the attention of Alberta's Chief Medical Officer of Health, Dr. Deena Hinshaw.
She made note of several incidents that had been reported to the government of individuals attempting to use fraudulent cards.
"We are hearing reports of (people) trying to falsify proof of (COVID-19) vaccination records," she said on Twitter Friday.
"We are at a critical time and need (Albertans) to do all they can to help reduce strain on the health system. We need (people) to abide by current restrictions and not look for ways around the rules."
Hinshaw added that producing false records is not only "against the best interest of Albertans' health" but is an offence under the Criminal Code as well.
"Rather than risk potential consequences, get vaccinated. It's your best protection," she said. "I want to thank the majority of (Albertans) who continue to do the right thing, getting vaccinated and downloading their proof of vaccination."
On Sept. 18, the Alberta government unveiled a website where residents could access and print off a record of their COVID-19 vaccinations for use with the province's restriction exemption program.
Almost as soon as the tool came online, many residents noted how easily the cards could be doctored to include any entry for the name, date of birth and even any of the vaccination information listed on it.
The Alberta government responded to the criticism shortly afterwards, saying that "motivated individuals" could produce fraudulent cards, but did so in violation of the Health Information Act.
As of Friday afternoon, there is no change to the online system that produces the cards nor the format by which they are being delivered.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
BREAKING Another suspect arrested in Toronto Pearson airport gold heist: police
Another suspect is in custody in connection with the gold heist at Toronto Pearson International Airport last year, police say.
Poilievre-led government 'would never' use notwithstanding clause on abortion, his office says
A Conservative government led by Pierre Poilievre would not legislate on, nor use the notwithstanding clause, on abortion, his office says, as anti-abortion protesters gather on Parliament Hill.
Why these immigrants to Canada say they're thinking about leaving, or have already moved on
For some immigrants, their dreams of permanently settling in Canada have taken an unexpected twist.
Ontario family receives massive hospital bill as part of LTC law, refuses to pay
A southwestern Ontario woman has received an $8,400 bill from a hospital in Windsor, Ont., after she refused to put her mother in a nursing home she hated -- and she says she has no intention of paying it.
Here are the ultraprocessed foods you most need to avoid, according to a 30-year study
Studies have shown that ultraprocessed foods can have a detrimental impact on health. But 30 years of research show they don’t all have the same impact.
From outer space? Sask. farmers baffled after discovering strange wreckage in field
A family of fifth generation farmers from Ituna, Sask. are trying to find answers after discovering several strange objects lying on their land.
Miss Teen USA steps down just days after Miss USA's resignation
Miss Teen USA resigned Wednesday, sending further shock waves through the pageant community just days after Miss USA said she would relinquish her crown.
Cyclist strikes child crossing the street to catch school bus in Montreal
A video circulating on social media of a young girl being hit by a bike has some calling for better safety and more caution when designing bike lanes in the city. The video shows a four-year-old girl crossing Jeanne-Mance Street in Montreal's Plateau neighbourhood to get on a school bus stopped on the opposite side of the street
BREAKING 6 injured in Sharbot Lake, Ont. crash; 2 in life-threatening condition
Ontario Provincial Police say six people have suffered severe injuries in a single-vehicle crash in Sharbot Lake, Ont, including two in life-threatening condition.