Multiple attempts to get faked COVID-19 vaccine proof in Quebec: sources
Several sources have confirmed to The Canadian Press that multiple people have attempted to fraudulently obtain proof of COVID-19 vaccination, sometimes by trying to bribe members of the health staff.
This comes after Quebec Health Minister Christian Dubé announced that proof of vaccination would be required as of Sept. 1 to engage in certain activities or frequent various public places.
In an incident recounted to The Canadian Press by an employee of the health network who wishes to remain anonymous for fear of reprisals, a man recently went to a vaccination centre in the east end of Montreal and asked to be inoculated in a private booth available to people nervous about the vaccine.
He then allegedly offered the nurse a bag containing several hundred dollars in cash, on condition that she throw the vaccine in the garbage and give him a faked proof of vaccination.
When the nurse refused and called security, the man fled.
The health ministry confirmed by e-mail that it is aware of the situation, but admits it is impossible to measure the real extent of the phenomenon.
"To date, we have not received any confirmation from our public safety partners of the involvement of a network employee," the email states.
When asked if this means that suspected employees will undergo investigation, the ministry passed the ball to the CIUSSS West-Central Montreal.
Spokesperson Carl Thériault confirmed by e-mail that "there was a recent attempt at corruption in one of our vaccination sites."
He declined to comment further "so as not to interfere with the ongoing police investigation."
A spokesperson for the CIUSSS East Montreal confirms "there have been a few recent attempts at fraud in our vaccination sites" and "our employees have been made aware of this issue and are very vigilant."
Employees have reportedly been warned that the ministry can detect if they issue a faked proof of vaccine, even if it takes place outside of work hours or outside the vaccination centres.
They have been told that serious penalties up to and including disbarment are possible for violations, the anonymous source said.
Health Minister Christian Dube did not comment on any specific case but did issue a warning to any Quebecers who try to cheat the system.
The ministry insists that "there are tight controls" within the department to prevent the fraudulent or inappropriate issuances of vaccine proof.
An awareness campaign is also underway to help staff identify and prevent fraud or corruption, it adds.
-- This report by The Canadian Press was first published in French on Aug. 13, 2021.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
'A beautiful soul': Funeral held for baby boy killed in wrong-way crash on Highway 401
A funeral was held on Wednesday for a three-month-old boy who died after being involved in a wrong-way crash on Highway 401 in Whitby last week.
Police handcuff man trying to enter Drake's Toronto mansion
Toronto police say a man was taken into custody outside Drake's Bridle Path mansion Wednesday afternoon after he tried to gain access to the residence.
U.S. presidential candidate RFK Jr. had a brain worm, has recovered, campaign says
Independent U.S. presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. had a parasite in his brain more than a decade ago, but has fully recovered, his campaign said, after the New York Times reported about the ailment.
Blind Sask. boy heading to international braille competition hopes to increase accessibility for visually impaired
A Saskatchewan boy who qualified for an international braille competition in Los Angeles next month hopes he can inspire change in his home province.
'A step forward': New screening criteria for sperm donors takes effect
Canadians looking to grow their families with the assistance of sperm or egg donations should soon have more options for donors as the federal health agency does away with longstanding restrictions criticized as discriminatory.
Ontario Provincial Police arrest 64 suspects in child sexual exploitation investigation
Ontario Provincial Police say 64 suspects are facing a combined 348 charges in connection with a series of child sexual exploitation investigations that spanned the province.
What is whooping cough and should Canadians be concerned as Europe declares outbreak?
There is currently a whooping cough epidemic in Europe, with 10 times as many cases compared to the previous two years. While an outbreak has not been declared nationwide in Canada, whooping cough is regularly detected in the country.
Pfizer agrees to settle more than 10K lawsuits over Zantac cancer risk: Bloomberg News
Pfizer has agreed to settle more than 10,000 lawsuits about cancer risks related to the now discontinued heartburn drug Zantac, Bloomberg News reported on Wednesday, citing people familiar with the deal.
Steve Albini, legendary producer for Nirvana, the Pixies and an alternative rock pioneer, dies at 61
Steve Albini, an alternative rock pioneer and legendary producer who shaped the musical landscape through his work with Nirvana, the Pixies, PJ Harvey and more, has died. He was 61.