Quebec big-box stores to require vaccine passports for entry, owners fear loss in revenue
Many large big-box stores in Quebec will require a vaccine passport for entry come Jan. 24 as part of a shift in COVID-19 health measures introduced by the provincial government earlier this week. Some retailers say that it could make for an overall loss in revenue, even if it does encourage more people to get their shot.
The measure will apply to businesses larger than 1,500 square metres. Pharmacies and grocery stores are exempt.
“The industry will comply obviously, as it has over last two years,” said Michel Rochette, president of the Retail Council of Canada.
“(Large stores) already have lot to deal with to maintain the minimal level of supply of services,” he continued. “They are dealing with lineups there, and new ones will be added.”
Retail stores already have limited capacity and mask mandates to help prevent spread within their premises. The updated rules have pushed some retailers to speak out against them, even those who support the vaccination campaign.
Blaise Renaud, president of Groupe Renaud-Bray, says added COVID-19 restrictions means he needs more staff to enforce them.
“We operate our stores, the largest ones, from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m.,” he said. “So, for me to pay three extra full-time staff to control the three doors of that store will completely change the economic ratio and force us probably to reduce our operating hours.”
The big-box rules are the latest measure in a widening arsenal of incentives, and consequences, put in place by Quebec leadership to convince unvaccinated residents to schedule their appointments.
Quebec’s cannabis and alcohol retailers are also set to require vaccine passports for the same reason starting on Monday.
“If you can demonstrate to people why there is practical reason to get vaccinate, it does help to move needle a little on people who otherwise wouldn't go an make first appointment,” said epidemiologist and cardiologist Dr. Christopher Labos.
“I think there is a two-fold benefit: they encourage people to go and get vaccinated, and they do make the retail shopping experience a little bit safer.”
As of Friday, 90 per cent of eligible Quebecers (aged five and up) have gotten their first dose, 82 per cent have gotten two, and 29 per cent have gotten boosted.
While Omicron has spread widely among both vaccinated and not, the vaccine has been shown to provide protection against serious infection.
Unvaccinated people are 6.6 times more likely to end up in hospital after getting sick, and 13.2 times more likely to need the ICU.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Western University researchers unlock potential 'cure' for ALS
New research out of London, Ont.'s Western University is shedding light on a potential cure for ALS, in which the targeting of the interaction between two proteins can halt or fully reverse the disease's progression.
Police release 3D images of young child found in an Ontario river two years ago
Police have released a three-dimensional image of a young child whose remains were discovered in the Grand River in Dunnville, Ont. almost two years ago.
B.C. brings in law on name changes on day that child killer's new identity revealed
The BC NDP have tabled legislation aimed at stopping people who have committed certain heinous acts from changing their names.
Kamala Harris drops F-bomb during White House live-stream
U.S. Vice-President Kamala Harris used a profanity on Monday while offering advice to young Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders about how to break through barriers.
B.C. man fighting for refund after finding someone living at Whistler vacation rental
Edwin Mostered spent thousands of dollars booking a vacation home in Whistler, B.C., for a group skiing trip earlier this year – or so he thought.
Avs forward Valeri Nichushkin suspended at least six months
Colorado Avalanche forward Valeri Nichushkin was suspended for at least six months without pay and placed in Stage 3 of the league's player assistance program.
Collapsed Baltimore bridge span comes down with a boom after crews set off chain of explosives
Crews conducted a controlled demolition Monday to break down the largest remaining span of the collapsed Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore.
Security video caught admitted serial killer disposing of bodies in Winnipeg garbage bins
Security video caught admitted serial killer Jeremy Skibicki on multiple late-night outings, disposing of body parts in nearby garbage bins and dumpsters in the middle of the night.
Mortgage companies could intensify the next recession, U.S. officials warn
U.S. officials worry the next recession could be intensified by a cascading series of failures in the mortgage industry caused by crashing home prices, frozen financial markets and soaring delinquencies.