The province of Quebec (Canada) has taken several restrictive measures against non-vaccinated people. The first is surprising: formal prohibition to buy alcohol in stores that sell only alcoholic beverages. In order to access these shops, the presentation of a vaccination pass is imperative. The measure seems to be well received by some residents. “I understand that they want to encourage as many people as possible to get vaccinated, so much the better if it works. Then there will be fewer people in the hospitals,” said one.
The Quebec government now wants to go further in its restrictions against non-vaccinated people, and plans to introduce a tax for medical care. “Those who refuse to receive their first dose in the next few weeks will have to pay a new health contribution,” said François Légaut, the Premier of Quebec. Some doctors are denouncing a break in equal access to medical care.
Covid-19: Quebec to tax non-vaccinated
AFP, January 12, 2022
They are a “burden” on the health system. Quebec is preparing to toughen measures against those who refuse the Covid-19 vaccine by introducing a new tax only for non-vaccinated people. The government of Canada’s French-speaking province, which has been hit hard by the Omicron wave, wants this “health contribution” to be a “significant amount” that is still under discussion.
According to Quebec Premier François Legault, the 10% of Quebecers who have not yet received a dose of vaccine must not “harm” the 90% who have been vaccinated. “It is not for all Quebecers to pay,” he said at a press conference, speaking of a “financial burden for all Quebecers”. François Legault explained that while non-vaccinated adults represent only 10% of the population, they account for 50% of people in intensive care, citing a “shocking” situation.
This tax would not affect people who cannot be vaccinated for medical reasons. “I understand and I feel this discontent towards the non-vaccinated minority that, all things considered, comes to clog up our hospitals,” he added. A few days ago, Quebec had already announced that certain non-essential businesses would be closed to non-vaccinated people, starting with stores selling alcohol and cannabis.
