Ontario Vaccine Passport Program Now in Effect

After three weeks since Ontario Premier Doug Ford announced that non-essential businesses in the province must participate in a vaccine passport program, residents who are 12 or older must now show proof of vaccination.

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Starting on Wednesday residents in Ontario will need to have proof of having received both doses of the COVID-19 vaccine.

“There are a lot of people who are concerned about this policy and I want you to know that I hear you. I understand your concerns about protecting your civil liberties and right to privacy,” said Doug Ford. “While many fully vaccinated people like myself share these concerns, the greater concern is having to shut down again or experience a sudden surge in cases like in Alberta and Saskatchewan.”

Vaccine passports are currently available online.

On Oct. 22 a QR code-based mobile application is set to launch for use by residents and businesses in place of physical vaccination receipts.

Those that do not wish to use this or do not have a mobile phone can print off an enhanced receipt with a QR code that can be scanned. Anyone without access to a printer can call call 1-833-943-3900 for assistance.

Businesses can download a free app that will scan and verify QR codes. Those checking for proof of vaccination at businesses are encouraged to match the patrons I.D to their vaccine passport and to ensure that their second dose was administered at least 14 days prior.

Identification that will be accepted with proof of vaccination includes a driver’s license, birth certificate, passport, citizenship card, Ontario photo card or other government-issued identification, Indian status card or Indigenous membership card or a permanent resident card.

Proof of vaccinations will be required at restaurants, bars, nightclubs, concert venues, gyms and fitness facilities, theatres, cinemas, racetracks, waterparks, TV and film productions with studio audiences, sports venues, casinos and gaming establishments, meeting and event spaces, strip clubs and bathhouses.

Proof of vaccination will not be required when entering a building to use a washroom, pay for an order, accessing an outdoor area that can only be done through an indoor way, placing or picking up a to-go order or purchasing admission to an outdoor event.

Children under 12 or anyone with a medical exemption will not need to show proof of vaccination.

Examples of medical exemptions include severe allergies, anaphylaxis, myocarditis or pericarditis.

Individuals who do not comply with screening or present false documents are fined starting at $750 and $1,000 for businesses under the Reopening Ontario Act.

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