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
Ottawa public school board, 3 Toronto-area school boards launch lawsuit against social media giants
The Ottawa-Carleton District School Board and three school boards in the Toronto-area have launched legal action against social media giants, accusing them of "disrupting students' fundamental right to education."
Several flight attendants from Pakistan have gone missing after landing in Canada
Multiple flight attendants from Pakistan International Airlines have abandoned their jobs and are believed to have sought asylum in Canada in the past year and a half, a spokesperson for the government-owned airline says.
Tipping is off the table at this Toronto restaurant
A Toronto restaurant introduced a surprising new rule that reduced the cost of a meal and raised the salaries of staff.
Rainfall warnings of up to 90 mm among weather alerts in effect for 7 provinces
Rainfall warnings of up to 90 millimetres, air quality advisories and other alerts have been issued for seven Canadian provinces, according to the latest forecasts.
King Charles calls for acts of friendship in first public remarks since Kate's cancer diagnosis
King Charles III gave public remarks for Maundy Thursday, addressing the importance of acts of friendship, following his and Catherine, Princess of Wales’ cancer diagnoses.
A Nigerian woman reviewed some tomato puree online. Now she faces jail
A Nigerian woman who wrote an online review of a can of tomato puree is facing imprisonment after its manufacturer accused her of making a “malicious allegation” that damaged its business.
Ukrainian child asylum seekers in St. John’s get class of their own
Roughly 50 children will gathered in a St. John’s classroom for the first time on Saturday for unique lessons on Ukrainian language, culture and history.
Donald Trump assails judge and his daughter after gag order in N.Y. hush-money criminal case
Donald Trump lashed out Wednesday at the New York judge who put him under a gag order that bars him from commenting publicly about witnesses, prosecutors, court staff and jurors in his upcoming hush-money criminal trial.
A fight to protect the dignity of Michelangelo's David raises questions about freedom of expression
Michelangelo's David has been a towering figure in Italian culture since its completion in 1504. But in the current era of the quick buck, curators worry the marble statue's religious and political significance is being diminished.