Premier says government is not considering implementing tax on unvaccinated adults

Tim Houston’s comments come after Quebec’s premier announced his province plans to tax unvaccinated adults who do not have a medical exemption

CITYnews halifax \ Chris Halef

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Nova Scotia’s Premier says his government is not considering implementing a tax on adults who are unvaccinated against COVID-19.

Premier Tim Houston’s comments come after Quebec’s Premier Francois Legault announced earlier this week that his province plans to tax unvaccinated adults who do not have a medical exemption, saying they are taking up a disproportionate number of hospital beds.

Speaking at Wednesday’s COVID-19 briefing, Houston said he has no plans to follow suit at this time.

“I think you’re just seeing the people who are trying to manage the system are incredibly frustrated,” said Houston. “This is an illness that people have the option to get the vaccine and limit the severity of the impact on them and by not doing, there’s ramifications to society and to our health-care system.”

Houston reminded residents the vaccines are safe and effective, adding they are the best way to keep yourself safe.

“I understand the frustration that people are feeling and I share it, but those aren’t specific discussions we’re having here in this province right now, but we do encourage people to get vaccinated,” he said.

Meantime, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said he would like to see more details before fully weighing in on the controversial plan.