Vaccinations in Canada: Rules and restrictions

Vaccination against COVID-19 is optional in Canada, but things are moving towards the fact that without it, residents will face a number of restrictions. Each province has different bans for the unvaccinated, and vaccination passports have been introduced to prove vaccination.

Ontario

Beginning September 22, provincial residents over the age of 12 will be required to prove vaccination with ID at restaurants, bars, nightclubs, meeting and event venues, theaters and gyms. From 22 October, QR codes proving vaccination will be introduced. You can go to shops and use services, such as going to hairdressers, without vaccination.

British Columbia

A vaccination passport is required for visits to restaurants, clubs, sport and recreational events and weddings. For visits to gyms, fitness centres and casinos, proof of receiving one dose of the vaccine is sufficient. As of October 24, provincial residents over the age of 12 must be fully vaccinated.

Alberta

On September 20, the province imposed restrictions on organizations that do not require proof of vaccination. For example, restaurants that let unvaccinated people in can only dine outdoors, shops and nightclubs must let in a third of the total capacity, and they must wear masks and maintain a two-metre distance. A negative COVID-19 test can be presented instead of a vaccination passport.

Quebec

From 1 September you can only go to bars, restaurants, gyms, cinemas, festivals, sports venues and large-scale events with a vaccination pass. It is also required for contact sports.

Saskatchewan

Vaccination passports will be valid from October. They will be required for visits to bars, nightclubs, casinos, cinemas, museums, restaurants and sports centres. A negative COVID-19 test can be presented instead of the vaccination passport. Vaccination is not necessary in public services, shops, hotels, and for religious ceremonies and attendance at amateur sporting events (with free admission).

Manitoba

Vaccination passports have been in effect in the province since June, and last week new restrictions were introduced for unvaccinated residents. Proof of vaccination is needed to go to a restaurant, theatre, cinema, nightclub, casino, gym, concert or sporting event.

New Brunswick

Vaccination passports are being introduced on September 22 for residents over the age of 12. In addition, anyone visiting the province must register their travel. Unvaccinated travellers will have to observe self-isolation for 14 days or until they receive a negative test for COVID-19 on the tenth day of quarantine.

Nova Scotia

The province will require proof of vaccination starting October 4. Passports will be checked in restaurants, gyms, sports centres, theatres, cinemas, concerts and sports events. A person is considered fully vaccinated 14 days after the second vaccination.

Newfoundland and Labrador

The province will develop a vaccination passport system in the coming weeks. The Prime Minister said it would be similar to the one in force in Quebec.

Prince Edward Island

There are no vaccination passports in the province, but you have to register on a government website to enter. Those who are vaccinated can come.

Yukon, Northwest Territories and Nunavut

Three territories in Canada have no plans to introduce vaccination passports or restrict unvaccinated residents. Yukon and Nunavut are developing an online vaccination record system so that residents can get proof of their vaccination if needed. Residents in the Northwest Territories can request proof of vaccination.