Quebec’s unvax tax is ‘constitutionally vulnerable,’ says expert

According to the acting general counsel of the Canadian Civil Liberties Association Cara Zwibel, the plan to tax the unvaccinated may violate the Charter of Rights and Freedoms.

The Charter specifically recognizes Canadians' individual autonomy of their own bodies and ability to make decisions, especially for intrusive measures such as a vaccine.

Zwibel told the Canadian Press that the measures would end up alienating those who are in need of health supports and services.

Legault announced the measures during a press conference on Tuesday, though he did not reveal how much the tax would be, or when it would come into effect.

"I know the situation is tough but we can get through this together. We need to focus efforts on two things: getting the first, second and third doses of vaccine and reducing our contacts, especially with older people," Legault said.

On Wednesday, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau refused to comment on the measures, citing a lack of details.

"There's a lot more details that we have to hear on how this would work before I can make any comments on it," said Trudeau, adding that governments were right to look at different ways to incentivize the vaccine.