By Darren Rathwell

Heated debate in Medicine Hat over proof of vaccination

Sep 14, 2021 | 5:12 PM

MEDICINE HAT, AB – The province is following through with more changes concerning proof of vaccination, but not everyone in Medicine Hat thinks they’re necessary.

Starting Thursday, a new proof of vaccination card will be available for download in Alberta, and can be accessed for printout through MyHealth Records.

Also, the province says plans are in the works for a QR code to show proof of vaccination. and will be made available “in the coming weeks.”

However, some Hatters CHAT News spoke to today believe the changes aren’t needed.

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“As an individual or family if you want to fulfill that responsibility to yourself do it. I don’t think I’m in a place to tell people how to take care of themselves and their loved ones,” a Hatter walking on Third Street SE said.

“I’m not supporting at all. Where is our freedom then?” another said.

Among the opponents to the changes is Lou-Wanda Whaley, owner of Altruist Market on Third Street.

Whaley, who allows vendors to sell their wares from her store, is pro-vaccination but draws the line at any kind of proof of vaccination system.

“What you do medically is none of my business,” Whaley said.

“There are people out there who have legitimate health concerns and reasons why they can’t take that needle and yet you’re going to put them in that position that they have to tell you something that they’re not able to take it. That’s not right,” Whaley added.

However, a new survey for the Chambers of Commerce in Calgary and Edmonton found a large amount of support for a proof of vaccination system

Seventy per cent of businesses in the survey support some kind of vaccination system, while there was 74 per cent support among the general population.

Some people CHAT News spoke to today agree that vaccine checks are needed.

“I think there definitely should be proof of vaccination or proof of passport. It’s the only way we’ll get through it. And those who don’t want to get vaccinated, they’re not welcome in a lot of the places,” one person said.

“It’s being prolonged. We have to have some kind of plan to move forward so,” another man said.