Government in the Canadian province of British Columbia is done f*cking around with pro-COVID anti-vaxxers.
On Monday the provincial Premier (counterpart to and American state governor) announced new regulations requiring a government-issued vaccine certificate for entry into (or participation in) a wide range of public activities, including concerts, sporting events, movies, restaurants, nightclubs, casinos, recreation facilities and even private organized affairs like weddings. The regulations have the force of law on both the public and businesses under existing public health legislation.
The new requirements are effective in three weeks (September 13) — initially requiring only one vaccine injection. Five weeks after that, the requirement bumps up to “fully vaccinated.” Retail stores, and places of worship are not affected by the new program, and children under 12 -- who are not yet approved for vaccination in Canada — are not covered. There is, however no exemption for people who are unable to be vaccinated for health reasons or who refuse to do so because of religion.
Five out of six (83%) of eligible British Columbians (over age 12) already have one vaccine shot, and three-quarters (74%) are fully vaccinated, The new laws will allow businesses and municipal recreation facilities in the province to assure the vaccinated majority of their customers that they are not “sharing air” with unvaccinated people seated, standing or exercising nearby under the same roof.
The province’s largest major-league sports franchise quickly voiced enthusiastic support for the new rules. The National Hockey League Vancouver Canucks Operations President said "The health and safety of our fans, employees, players and community has always been a top priority and we welcome today's announcement by [the] Premier."
After the announcement a Canadian Broadcasting Corporation reporter checked in with the Mayor of Nelson — a small Rocky Mountain town in the interior of British Columbia, Mayor John Dooley agreed with the new plan and said the local restaurateurs and people in the entertainment business he has spoken to generally support the new regulations.
"I actually believe that a vaccine passport will improve business opportunities because people will feel safer going out," he said — a view echoed by the industry association representing the provincial hospitality industry. The president and CEO of the B.C. Restaurant and Foodservices Association, said "We feel good about it,.. We need to go to the next level or we're going to be faced with [more business] closures."
So far, no reports of crazed Canadian “patriots” with guns threatening the provincial Premier or the mayor of Nelson or the food-and-beverage executive who support the Premier.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Here’s the full list, pasted from the British Columbia Government web site
The requirement applies to all people born in 2009 or earlier (12+) and covers:
- Indoor ticketed concerts, theatre, dance, symphony and sporting events
- Indoor and outdoor dining at restaurants, pubs and bars
- Nightclubs and casinos
- Movie theatres
- Gyms, pools and recreation facilities
- Does not include youth recreational sport
- Indoor high intensity group exercise
- Indoor organized gatherings like weddings, parties, conferences, meetings and workshops
- Indoor organized group recreational classes and activities like pottery and art
- Does not include K to 12 school and before and after school programs
- Post-secondary on-campus student housing. Note: Students must be partially vaccinated by September 7
Events, businesses and services will ask to see your proof of vaccination and valid government ID.
The requirement is in place until January 31, 2022, subject to extension.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Extra quotes from Mayor John Dooley of Nelson, British Columbia:
"I honestly believe that the passport is the way forward because it's unfair and disrespectful for people that are not vaccinated — that have no intention of being vaccinated — to hold the rest of the community at ransom,.. those who simply refuse shouldn't have the same privileges that we have."
Extra quotes from Anita Huberman
CEO of the local Board of Trade (chamber of commerce) in the Vancouver suburb of Surrey:
"A short-term proof of immunization strategy is an important temporary measure that the Surrey Board of Trade has been calling for, to the B.C. Government, as well as to the federal government.
The goal in the future is to have a co-ordinated, national approach to show proof of vaccination,"
------------------------------------------------------------------------
And, finally, a special link for American KOS members in states like Florida and Texas who are demoralized by the contrast between their own political leadership and what’s happening in British Columbia.
