Alberta NDP Leader Rachel Notley speaks on Sept. 2, 2021.

By Canadian Press

Alberta Opposition calls for mandatory COVID vaccine rules for non-essential business

Sep 2, 2021 | 2:32 PM

EDMONTON – Alberta’s Opposition New Democrats are urging Premier Jason Kenney to bring in new rules to make COVID-19 vaccines mandatory for anyone attending non-essential businesses and mass gatherings.

NDP Leader Rachel Notley says the province should also return to mandatory masking for anyone entering essential places, including grocery stores.

Notley says it’s critical Kenney act to arrest rapidly rising infection rates and to protect hospitals from being overwhelmed.

Kenney’s United Conservative government has said it will not mandate proof of vaccination.

Ontario, Manitoba, British Columbia and Quebec are phasing in or already have requirements for people to show a vaccine card, online image or smartphone verifications for many activities.

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Notley says Alberta could do the same with a QR digital code that would be available on smartphones or downloadable online.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Sept. 2, 2021.

The Canadian Press