BC Liberal Opposition calls on Horgan to address vaccine passport confusion

VANCOUVER (NEWS 1130) — The BC Liberal Caucus is demanding the NDP’s answer questions some businesses in the province are looking for to clarify their role in the COVID-19 vaccine card rollout.

Interim leader of the BC Liberal Party and MLA for Prince George-Mount Robson, Shirley Bond, sent a letter to the premier in hopes he can fill information gaps for businesses.

“I think we recognize that the vast majority of British Columbians want to do the right thing, and in fact, have done everything they’ve been asked to do over the last 18 months and more. The challenge that I think many people are facing is the fact that there are a lot of questions about the rollout — about the implementation of the vaccine card.

“So we sent a letter to Premier [John] Horgan, which I think is a reasonable thing to do, with a series of questions that include clarification for businesses, concerns that have been expressed by people who believe there should be a medical exemption — which we also support.”

Today @shirleybond sent a letter to John Horgan asking to clarify a number of information gaps, including getting some answers for small business owners who haven’t heard from Horgan since the announcement.

Read the full letter pic.twitter.com/gjgkGuBeBx

— BC Liberal Caucus (@BCLiberalCaucus) September 3, 2021

A month ago, the province announced the order to access non-essential businesses but has not provided any additional details to clarify the confusion that has erupted since then.

“The bottom line is the government announced that this is moving forward. It gave very specific dates. And so I think it’s reasonable to provide answers to businesses that are going to need to enforce the program.”

Starting Sept. 13, vaccine passports will be required in order to access non-essential businesses. One dose will be required to enter places like indoor concerts, sporting events, movies, and anywhere there are non-discretionary activities.

By Oct. 24, only fully immunized people will be able to attend these settings, including indoor ticketed sporting events, indoor and patio dining in restaurants, fitness centres, casinos and indoor organized events, like conferences and weddings.

Full list of settings that will require proof of vaccination

“The government made the decision based on public health advice, to move forward. So now they need to provide answers to people who are expected to enforce the implementation.”

Carl McCreath, president of restaurant operations with the Steamworks Group, says he’s cautiously optimistic about the planned program but needs more details.

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Jeff Guignard, the executive director at Alliance of Beverage Licensees, says restaurants and bars are working as fast as they can to get ready for the impending launch and asks for everyone’s patience.

Bond adds, she’s been especially concerned about smaller communities outside the Lower Mainland — where small family-run businesses may find it more difficult to enforce the new order.

“These are the kinds of questions that people are having. How am I supposed to implement when I have two people working in the entire establishment?

“People want to do the right thing — at least the vast majority of people do — … but we do have questions. British Columbians have questions.”

Bond adds she is hopeful Horgan will get back to her with additional information.