From “it’s a great idea” to “it’s stupid,” North Shore News readers have shown quite the divide when it comes to the hot topic of vaccine passports.
Airlines are all for them and many countries are already putting the wheels in motion for vaccine passports – documentation that shows a
Some countries are even using the passports beyond air travel. Israel is using a new “green passport” to ensure that only people who have been vaccinated or recovered from COVID-19 can attend public events such as concerts. Denmark expects to launch a pass that will let vaccinated people travel with fewer restrictions.
It’s unclear what exactly will happen yet in Canada, but a document to allow Canadians to travel internationally during the pandemic is being explored.
As for British Columbia, Premier John Horgan said at a press conference March 12 that he backed the concept of so-called COVID-19 passports for international travellers, but he's not sold on a similar system for B.C. residents
"The prime minister and most premiers concluded that having a validation of vaccination is absolutely imperative for international travel, but for other activities like going to a sports event or to the theatre, strikes me as counterproductive at this point," Horgan said, adding the issue was discussed at a recent weekly meeting.
B.C. will watch the situation as the pandemic continues and the prospect of implementing something domestically that gives proof of vaccine hasn't been completely ruled out, Horgan continued.
The topic of vaccine passports spurred quite the discussion among North Shore residents after the North Shore News posted an editorial on the issue last week.
After sharing the piece on Facebook, many readers had strong opinions on whether they’re the right way forward or not.
Many readers were OK with the implementation of a vaccine passport for travelling internationally but against a provincial system to regulate going to large entertainment or sporting events.
Some people wrote that they were all for it, saying it would lead to “normality” while others disagreed saying a vaccine passport is “just another step in the journey to loss of control over our own lives.”
Others simply said the whole thing was "stupid."
Here’s what North Shore News readers had to say:
For
“I think it is a great idea. It helps keep public health aware of vaccines versus virus. We need to follow up to keep this virus and any variants under control. Sorry that this offends some but I and many others want this to come to an end and our lives to move on without restrictions. If enough people get vaccinated all will end sooner. Study the science,” Laurie Mynott wrote.
“To keep communities safe, I think some kind of system is needed. I've been vaccinated and would have no problem being asked to show proof. It should be something that also identifies exemption too,” Julie Cluff wrote.
“Some kinds of vaccines are already needed to travel to some countries, so one more won't hurt anything. I would be happy to show a vaccine passport anywhere, but for things like concerts, sports events and travel within Canada, I think it would quickly be open to a constitutional challenge. I'm sure lawyers across the country are already prepping for it,” Heather Virtue-Lapierre wrote.
“We already have them. When travelling overseas you carry proof of vaccinations. Two years ago, I had a booklet proving vaccinations for Asia. When I went to the UK in ‘69 I had carried proof of a smallpox vaccination within my passport. They have been with us for a long time. So, what’s new here?” Kerry Moore wrote.
“If it can help us get back to a more normal life, yes. I think there should also be exemptions for people who can't get the vaccine,” Zona Gilley Sveinsson wrote.
“I think they are necessary until the virus is under control,” Heather Fayers wrote.
Against
“Required for entry into another country? - maybe; as decided by each country individually. But within Canada? No. Because it could start with non-essential activities like entry to big sporting events, for example, but end with denying access to necessary activities e.g. attending school, gaining employment, buying groceries. This isn't the same as the government requiring you to hold valid identification. This is agreeing to a medical procedure in order to go about your day. I'm not anti-vax by any stretch, but I sure can see the problem with that idea,” Vicki Buchanan wrote.
“It's unconstitutional and robs people of their freedom and right to choose what they put into their bodies. Gene therapy and experimental "vaccines" should be a choice and not dictated by narcissistic authorities. The passports will lead to discrimination and things will be even worse than they are now,” Roz Graskie wrote.
“So, what about the people who CAN’T get vaccines? They will be punished for medical issues? Considering no one has any idea how long these vaccines will be effective, don't we think we're getting a tad ahead of ourselves?” Deanna Kathleen wrote.
“Let folks decide what to do with their own bodies!! No coercion or manipulation. Where there is risk there should be choice. NO passports,” Dana Dykema wrote.
“1, everyone should be able to choose whether or not they wish to be vaccinated. 2, that choice should remain private. 3, nobody should be punished or restricted in any way, including the ability to travel, shop, or go to any event based on whether or not they are vaccinated. Period,” Ray Benedetti wrote.
“A vaccine passport is coercion, it’s blackmail and it's wrong,” Robbie Foss wrote.
“Just another step in the journey to loss of control over our own lives,” Terry Long wrote.
“It will be the start of ‘2nd class citizens’ and lead to discrimination and hate,” Spencer Ratzlaff wrote.
“It's stupid,” Dayna Lammers Deimling wrote.
Join the conversation on the North Shore News Facebook page.
-- With files from The Canadian Press
