Calgary, Edmonton chambers say support for vaccine passport growing

CALGARY – The Calgary and Edmonton chambers of commerce say they’re seeing support for a vaccine passport swell in both cities, despite what protesters and the UCP have to say.

Leger did a survey of people and businesses in Alberta on behalf of the Calgary and Edmonton chambers.

The pollster found that overall, 74 per cent said they think Canadians should have to show proof of vaccination to access certain businesses or services.

Within that 74 per cent, 55 per cent of Albertans and 48 per cent of businesses were “very supportive.”

“When faced with further restrictions, businesses tell us vaccine certification will allow them to remain open with much more certainty than current measures provide,” said Deborah Yedlin, President and CEO of the Calgary Chamber of Commerce.

“In light of rising cases and stagnant vaccination rates, vaccine certification is a straightforward way to keep our economy open and stimulate vaccination rates. We’ve seen it work in other jurisdictions.”

Those surveyed say the top reason they believe a vaccine passport is necessary is to help avoid widespread lockdowns (62 per cent) and to help ensure the safety of workers (61 per cent).

“Businesses and residents have clearly indicated the need for a standardized framework to ensure consumer confidence and protect worker safety,” said Jeffrey Sundquist, President and CEO of the Edmonton Chamber of Commerce.

“As other jurisdictions move ahead with implementing vaccine certifications, we cannot be left behind and have local business risk losing their competitive edge when it comes to attracting workers, customers, and investors.”

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Nine per cent of Albertans and 10 per cent of businesses were neutral on the topic.

One in five businesses said they were opposed to the idea, with 18 per cent of Albertans saying the same.

Of those in opposition, about 15 per cent of Albertans and businesses said they were “very opposed.”

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Alberta’s UCP government has maintained that the province will not be implementing any type of vaccine passport, instead announcing incentives, such as $1 million lottery prizes plus $100 for anyone getting their first or second shot before mid-October.

People have also protested vaccine passports across Canada. More protests are planned for Monday at hospitals Calgary and Edmonton.

Alberta businesses, doctors, and mayors have called for a vaccine passport system to be introduced while other polls have also found that there is widespread support for documentation.