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
Senate expenses climbed to $7.2 million in 2023, up nearly 30%
Senators in Canada claimed $7.2 million in expenses in 2023, a nearly 30 per cent increase over the previous year.
Pedestrian, baby injured after stroller struck and dragged by vehicle in Squamish, B.C.
Police say a baby and a pedestrian suffered non-life-threatening injuries after a vehicle struck a baby stroller and dragged it for two blocks before stopping in Squamish, B.C.
Tom Mulcair: Park littered with trash after 'pilot project' is perfect symbol of Trudeau governance
Former NDP leader Tom Mulcair says that what's happening now in a trash-littered federal park in Quebec is a perfect metaphor for how the Trudeau government runs things.
Demonstrators kicked out of Ontario legislature for disruption after failed keffiyeh vote
A group of demonstrators were kicked out of the legislature after a second NDP motion calling for unanimous consent to reverse a ban on the keffiyeh failed to pass.
RCMP uncovers alleged plot by 2 Montreal men to illegally sell drones, equipment to Libya
The RCMP says it has uncovered a plot by two men in Montreal to sell Chinese drones and military equipment to Libya illegally.
Government agrees to US$138.7M settlement over FBI's botching of Larry Nassar assault allegations
The U.S. Justice Department announced a US$138.7 million settlement Tuesday with more than 100 people who accused the FBI of grossly mishandling allegations of sexual assault against Larry Nassar in 2015 and 2016, a critical time gap that allowed the sports doctor to continue to prey on victims before his arrest.
BREAKING Canucks goalie Thatcher Demko won't play in Game 2
The Vancouver Canucks will be without all-star goalie Thatcher Demko when they face the Nashville Predators in Game 2 of their first-round playoff series.
Man wanted in connection with deadly shooting in Toronto tops list of most wanted fugitives in Canada
A 35-year-old man wanted in connection with the murder of Toronto resident 29-year-old Sharmar Powell-Flowers nine months ago has topped the list of the BOLO program’s 25 most wanted fugitives across Canada, police announced Tuesday.
Doctors ask Liberal government to reconsider capital gains tax change
The Canadian Medical Association is asking the federal government to reconsider its proposed changes to capital gains taxation, arguing it will affect doctors' retirement savings.