N.S. top doctor says province still not committed to implementing vaccine passports

Dr. Robert Strang’s comments come after Quebec’s premier announced it would implement a vaccine passport system for anyone looking to use non-essential businesses and service

HALIFAXtoday \ Chris Halef

Nova Scotia’s top doctor says no decision has been made on implementing potential vaccine passports in the province.

Dr. Robert Strang’s comments come after Quebec’s premier announced it would implement a vaccine passport system for anyone looking to use non-essential businesses and services.

Speaking to reporters on Thursday, Dr. Strang said the province is in no rush to follow Quebec’s lead.

“There’s a number of issues around that,” said Strang. “You need to have a robust, valid proof of vaccination and I just got sent a report today from a legal community about international conversations around fraudulent vaccination claims.”

Strang says there are also legal and ethical issues surrounding vaccine passports.

“I remain concerned that if not done very thoughtfully, something like a vaccine passport will further marginalize populations that are already marginalized in our communities,” he said.

Strang says the province will continue to take an educative and cooperative approach by giving people good information and access to vaccines.

Meantime, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said he is considering making vaccinations mandatory for some federally-regulated industries.