New Calgary COVID-19 bylaw will make vaccine passport program mandatory
Calgary councillors attending a special meeting of city council on Wednesday afternoon voted to pass a new COVID-19 bylaw that makes it mandatory for all eligible local businesses to opt into Alberta's vaccine passport program.
The vote to pass the bylaw was nearly unanimous with only Ward 11 Coun. Jeromy Farkas in opposition.
The new bylaw includes (but is not limited to) restaurants, bars, pubs, nightclubs, casinos, bingo halls and VLT lounges – all of which were eligible to opt into the province's Restrictions Exception Program.
It will also apply to recreation facilities in Calgary, meaning anyone over the age of 12 will need to show proof of vaccination status or a negative COVID-19 test to enter. The bylaw will not apply to anyone under the age of 18 participating in a school-related activity or anyone receiving health, wellness or personal services.
A slide shown in Calgary city council on Wednesday, Sept. 22, 2021, shows which Calgary businesses would require proof of vaccination or a negative COVID-test.
"This is no silver bullet, Calgarians. This is a mop-up job because of the failure of the leadership of Premier (Jason) Kenney," Ward 13 Coun. Diane Colley-Urquhart said.
"I do believe that, with his failure of leadership, this is a dereliction of duty," she said. Mayor Naheed Nenshi said he feels the UCP's refusal to use the term "vaccine passport" when speaking about the program is causing confusion.
"Businesses were really saying that it is not fair and we're getting the brunt of abuse because the province has made it look like it's our choice when it's really not our choice," Nenshi said.
"So, they were really asking us, 'listen, make it a bylaw so that we can say that it is a bylaw.'"
Calgary peace officers were unable to enforce the restrictions in the REP program, but passing the bylaw gives them the power to do so.
The bylaw comes with a $500 fine for people and/or businesses that don't comply and will be effective as Thursday.
"I don't agree with bringing in an additional city vaccine passport on top of what the province has already implemented," said Farkas, the only councillor to vote against the bylaw.
"I understand why people want the city to clean up the mess that the province has made, but this is confusing enough already."
The city has already created signage for businesses to display the bylaw and what is required by patrons.
Failure to display the fine could result in a $200 fine.
The meeting, which was attended virtually, also discussed Calgary's recently-launched COVID-19 Business Support Program, including a mobile vaccination program with five vehicles.
CEMA Chief Sue Henry said Wednesday that Calgary has 5,487 active COVID-19 cases, 300 per 100,000 people. Of those, she said 262 people are in hospital with COVID-19, including 64 in ICU.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Doctors ask Liberal government to reconsider capital gains tax change
The Canadian Medical Association is asking the federal government to reconsider its proposed changes to capital gains taxation, arguing it will affect doctors' retirement savings.
Keeping these exotic pets is 'cruel' and 'dangerous,' Canadian animal advocates say
Canadian pet owners are finding companionship beyond dogs and cats. Tigers, alligators, scorpions and tarantulas are among some of the exotic pets they are keeping in private homes, which pose risks to public safety and animal welfare, advocates say.
BREAKING Man wanted in connection with deadly shooting in Toronto tops list of most wanted fugitives in Canada
A 35-year-old man wanted in connection with the murder of Toronto resident 29-year-old Sharmar Powell-Flowers nine months ago has topped the list of the BOLO program’s 25 most wanted fugitives across Canada, police announced Tuesday.
Prince William and wife Kate thank public for birthday messages for son Louis
Prince William and his wife Kate thanked the public for their messages which had been sent to mark the sixth birthday of their youngest son Louis on Tuesday.
She was the closest she'd ever been to meeting her biological father. Then life dealt her a blow
Anne Marie Cavner was the closest she'd ever been to meeting her biological father, but then life dealt her a blow. From an unexpected loss to a host of new relationships, a DNA test changed her life, and she doesn't regret a thing.
How quietly promised law changes in the 2024 federal budget could impact your day-to-day life
The 2024 federal budget released last week includes numerous big spending promises that have garnered headlines. But, tucked into the 416-page document are also series of smaller items, such as promising to amend the law regarding infant formula and to force banks to label government rebates, that you may have missed.
Fire engulfs old Edmonton municipal airport hangar
A historical hangar at the former Edmonton municipal airport beside the NAIT main campus was on fire Monday night.
Soft skills, preparation can help new graduates land jobs, experts say
As new graduates enter the workforce over the next few weeks, they are likely to face challenges getting their foot in the door and must be prepared to effectively communicate what they bring to the company.
RCMP uncovers plot to sell drones and equipment to Libya
The RCMP says it has uncovered a ploy to sell Chinese drones and military equipment to Libya illegally.