Conservative Party leader Erin O’Toole has promised a national proof-of-vaccine system to prove residents received their COVID-19 vaccinations. The move was among a number of pandemic-related campaign pledges O'Toole unveiled Saturday during a stop in Coquitlam, BC, reported the Globe and Mail.
O'Toole said he would work with provinces to devise a national proof-of-vaccination system, adding that such a setup would help Canadians during international travel.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced Aug. 27 in Mississauga, Ontario, that his party, if re-elected, would establish a $1 billion COVID-19 "proof-of vaccination" fund to provide funding to provinces that move forward with vaccine passports.
Trudeau said that the fund would aid provinces who may potentially be wary of a vaccine passport due to the costs associated with implementing a program.
During the press conference, Trudeau took shots at the O'Toole Conservatives — who lead the Liberals in the polls — for stunting what Trudeau said is a vital part of restoring normalcy.
O'Toole said Saturday he wants 90 percent of eligible residents vaccinated against COVID-19. He pledged to cover the cost of time off for employees to get a shot, free transportation to vaccine clinics, and a national booster shot strategy that would initially target senior citizens and the immunocompromised.
NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh called for a national system and criticized Trudeau for not implementing one sooner. Trudeau said Ottawa would certify provincial vaccine passports but that it could take a year to create a full federal program.