Categories: Lifestyle

A mandatory vaccine passport bylaw just passed in Calgary & here’s what it means

Photo via Shutterstock

It’s only been a few days since Alberta announced their restriction exemption program – a vaccine passport-like system that gave businesses the option to operate regularly as long as they requested proof of immunization from their customers. Now, in an effort to clear up any confusion and further stop the spread of the virus, Calgary city council has doubled down – establishing a bylaw that will instead REQUIRE eligible businesses to participate.

In a vote of 13 to 1, councillors have officially approved a vaccine passport bylaw for the city of Calgary.

This means that restaurants and pubs, casinos, bingo halls, museums, fitness facilities, and movie theatres, among others, MUST ask for proof of vaccination or the results from a negative COVID test (done within 72 hours) from everyone before granting them entry.

You can view the complete list of eligible business below:

Photo Via City of Calgary

If for any reason, a business within the scope chooses not to comply they will be subject to a $500 fine. In addition to this, they’ll also be required to display signage that will be available before Thursday, September 23rd when the bylaw takes effect.

Much like with the mask mandate signs – any eatery or venue without these signs could be subject to a separate $200 fine.

Don’t have your proof of vaccination card yet? Luckily it’s incredibly easy to print yours off or download the PDF to your phone.

All you have to do is head to the Government’s website here, enter your Alberta Health Care number, birthdate, and the month you received your last vaccine and press confirm.

After downloading your record, just make sure that you have it on you at all times either on paper or on your phone, to avoid being denied entry into your favourite YYC businesses.

For more information about the Calgary vaccine passport bylaw, you can visit the official government website here.