The Federation of Chambers of Commerce of Quebec (FCCQ) wants the Quebec government to quickly adopt and put in place proof of vaccination in order to reopen businesses and hold major events for people who have been vaccinated. With the proven effectiveness of COVID-19 vaccines, this evidence could be granted and used after receiving a first dose.
Even though they have adapted their establishments to meet health standards and have complied with all the rules to limit the spread of the virus, many businesses remain partially or completely closed. Vaccination proof is a means that would facilitate the reopening of dining rooms, the holding of events and which would greatly help the tourism sector as the summer season approaches.
“Our festivals and other major events are part of the face of Quebec, especially during the summer. We must do everything to allow them to stand and support the organizers. We have already lost the Montreal Grand Prix for this year, so such an event could have been conceivable if the vaccine proof had been in force. However, we still hope to be able to attend the Canadiens playoff games! », Declared Charles Milliard, President and CEO of the FCCQ.
Israel, Denmark, Austria and US states use vaccine proof
The FCCQ is of the opinion that the Israeli model could be a source of inspiration for the Minister of Health and Social Services, Christian Dubé, as he is considering proof with a QR code. For several weeks now, Israel has been using a digital passport, called Green Card. In the form of a QR code, this app allows vaccinated people to enjoy social activities that have been limited since the start of the pandemic, such as dinners with friends at restaurants.
For use in Quebec businesses and services.
The food services, accommodation, culture and recreation sectors have been the most impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. The use of vaccine proof in these industries would have the advantage of making it easier to reopen or expand the maximum capacity of clients in closed places.
“We have the technology here to put in place a tool that is being used and proven to work elsewhere. In addition to speeding up the reopening of certain businesses, especially restaurant dining rooms, vaccine proof could also facilitate the return of workers to our city centers, which are still largely neglected. We thus promote those who take responsibility for the collective good, both employers and customers, ”added Charles Milliard.
For a vaccine passport to find the movement between the borders
Since the federal government is also studying the possibility of creating a vaccination passport for foreign travel, it is all the more important to ensure that the Quebec vaccination passport is compatible with that of Ottawa. In addition to allowing us to receive visitors here, a vaccination passport would restore the possibility of traveling abroad without quarantine.
“We all want to resume our activities as quickly as possible, including the possibility of traveling. The vaccination passport would bring us even closer to this goal. In addition, keeping our borders closed is detrimental to our trade and economy. The advantages of a vaccination passport are therefore, in our opinion, much greater than its disadvantages, ”concluded Charles Milliard.
