Vaccine passports: Comparing Ontario vs. Quebec

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Quebec launched its vaccine passport program on Wednesday, requiring residents and others to provide proof of full vaccination before being permitted access to numerous non-essential businesses and services, including restaurants, bars, gyms, cinemas, outdoor festivals and events, as well as some sports activities in schools.

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Ontario, meanwhile, on Wednesday announced that it, too, will require similar proof of vaccination effective Sept. 22.

Full vaccination requires 14 days to elapse following a second inoculation against COVID-19.

Here are some of the similarities and differences between the two programs:

• Both provinces require proof of vaccination and a piece of government-issued photo ID. In Quebec, that proof of vaccination is a QR code, either printed or through a smartphone application. Quebecers can upload their QR codes to an application called VaxiCode, which registers their name, date of birth and vaccination status.

Businesses, using a complementary application called VaxiCode Vérif, will scan their QR codes to confirm their vaccination status.

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• In Ontario, the QR scanners won’t be available until Oct. 22, with businesses in the meantime verifying paper vaccination receipts visually. Additionally, with the exception of outdoor nightclubs, Ontario’s passport requirement does not apply to outdoor settings. In Quebec, the policy includes outdoor settings with more than 50 people in attendance.

• Out-of-province visitors to Ontario will be required to prove their full-vaccination status and identification to enter prescribed settings, with further details expected in the coming weeks. Visitors to Quebec must show proof of vaccination from their respective governments, along with proof of address. For visitors from Ontario, government-provided proof of vaccination and photo ID are sufficient.

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• Wedding and funeral ceremonies in Quebec, as well as places of worship, do not require proof-of-vaccination. In Ontario, the exemption for weddings and funerals is only in effect until Oct. 12, during which time a negative COVID-19 test from the previous 48 hours will suffice. Places of worship are not specifically included on Ontario’s list of venues requiring proof of vaccination.

• Meanwhile, Quebec residents under 13 are exempt. In Ontario, a similar exemption will be granted to those under 12.

• Vaccination passports are also not necessary to enter libraries and museums in Quebec. Ontario’s announcement Wednesday did not specifically mention those venues, either as requiring a passport or being exempt.

With files from The Montreal Gazette