The implementation of vaccine passports in New Brunswick could very well be a matter of when and not if, causing many to speculate how will they be used.
Newfoundland and Labrador announced last Tuesday they would implement a vaccine passport by using a QR code, becoming one of many provinces to introduce proof of vaccination.
“There’s increasing chatter about the idea of a vaccine passport or certificate, will it be mandatory by the government, will it be a voluntary thing where a business can decide whether they want to request that,” said John Wishart CEO of the Chamber of Commerce for Greater Moncton.
“That’s a very tough question you’re balancing individual rights and freedoms versus community need for public safety and public health.”
The chamber has yet to take a formal stance on the matter but they are communicating with board members, their advocacy committee members and individuals who operate restaurants, bars and event venues.
“There seems to be general support for some type of vaccine passport, but it’s very much divided between whether to make it mandatory or whether to leave it up to the individual business,” said Wishart.
“If it’s left to an individual business that puts more onus on that business to enforce the policy, which creates some complications.”
Wishart added that some members of the community are against proof of vaccinations.
“I don’t know whether it’s a matter of time or whether we’ll get past this fourth wave until something like that is necessary.”
