A representative with the Northwestern Ontario Associated Chambers of Commerce is not thrilled with how the proof-of-vaccine system is being rolled out.
You now must show certain businesses like bars, restaurants and gyms that you either are fully vaccinated against COVID-19, or have a valid medical exemption.
You will also have to show your government-issued identification.
Charla Robinson says businesses aren’t happy that the province is requiring them to check for proof of vaccination before its mobile app is ready.
The app is expected to be available by October 22, and when a business scans the code you display, they will see either a green check mark or a red X to show whether you can enter.
“The paper-based system is very much dependent on the staff of the business interpreting the information that’s being provided by the patron, whereas the system that will be in place in a few more weeks will not require that interpretation,” she says.
Robinson says while the business community supports a proof-of-vaccine system as a way to let businesses stay open, they don’t feel supported.
“The way the government has rolled this out is basically putting business owners and their employees as the front line to enter their business, so you’re basically becoming a bouncer in your business,” Robinson points out.
Robinson says they’ve been advocating for the province to get the mobile passport app running as quickly as possible, and offer businesses more supports.
