Alberta premier claims vaccine appointment demand surged post-passport program announcement
Premier Jason Kenney says vaccine appointment bookings nearly tripled after the province announced its vaccine passport program and additional public health safety measures.
The premier made the claim during a Thursday night Facebook Live event where he fielded preselected questions from the public.
Alberta will implement its own version of a proof-of-vaccination approach, which it's calling the restrictions exemption program, where individual businesses and events have the choice of requiring immunization upon entry or face restrictions.
Kenney said vaccine bookings nearly tripled from 9,400 to 25,000 in the day following Wednesday's announcement.
Still, he stressed the need for more unvaccinated people to roll up their sleeves saying Alberta's vaccine rate remains the lowest of all provinces.
"Most importantly get vaccinated. That is the solution. The solution should not (have to) be restrictions," said Kenney.
He said skeptics only need to look at the rising case numbers and the dire situation in Alberta hospitals for reasons to become immunized.
"The solution is right in front of us. It's free. It's called vaccines."
The introduction of Alberta's restrictions exemption program is an about face for the premier who previously stood steadfast against vaccine passports, but he says the program is now necessary following attempts to incentivize vaccinations through a $100 reward program and lotteries for immunized Albertans.
Alberta reported 1,718 new COVID-19 cases and 10 deaths on Thursday, bringing the death toll to approximately 2,500.
There are currently 896 patients in hospital in the province including 222 intensive care unit admissions. According to the province, 78 per cent of patients in hospital with COVID-19 cases are not fully vaccinated.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Grandparents killed in wrong-way crash on Hwy. 401 identified
A 60-year-old man and a 55-year-old woman killed in a wrong-way crash on Highway 401 earlier this week have been identified by the Consulate General of India in Toronto.
Police arrest 3 Indian nationals in killing of B.C. Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar
Three people have been arrested and charged in the killing of B.C. Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar – as authorities continue investigating potential connections to the Indian government.
Suter scores late goal, clinches series for Canucks
Pius Suter scored with 1:39 left and the Vancouver Canucks advanced to the second round of the NHL playoffs with a 1-0 victory over the Nashville Predators on Friday night in Game 6.
TD worst-case scenario more likely after drug money laundering allegations: analyst
TD Bank Group could be hit with more severe penalties than previously expected, says a banking analyst after a report that the investigation it faces in the U.S. is tied to laundering illicit fentanyl profits.
Quebec man who threatened Trudeau, Legault online sentenced to 20 months in jail
A Quebec man who pleaded guilty to threatening Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Premier François Legault has been sentenced to 20 months in jail.
Human remains found in rural Sask. possibly a decade old, RCMP say
RCMP say human remains found in a rural area in central Saskatchewan may have been there for a decade or more.
Britney Spears 'home and safe' after paramedics responded to an incident at the Chateau Marmont, source tells CNN
A source close to singer Britney Spears tells CNN that the pop star is 'home and safe' after she had a 'major fight' with her boyfriend on Wednesday night at the Chateau Marmont in West Hollywood.
Canadian doctor concerned new weight-loss drug Wegovy may be used inappropriately
As Wegovy becomes available to Canadians starting Monday, a medical expert is cautioning patients wanting to use the drug to lose weight that no medication is a ''magic bullet,' and the new medication is meant particularly for people who meet certain criteria related to obesity and weight.
Drew Carey is never quitting 'The Price Is Right'
Drew Carey took over as host of 'The Price Is Right' and hopes he’s there for life. 'I'm not going anywhere,' he told 'Entertainment Tonight' of the job he took over from longtime host Bob Barker in 2007.