City of Edmonton explores its own COVID-19 proof of vaccination program

Edmonton is exploring options to create its own proof of vaccination requirement after the province ended the Restrictions Exemption Program(REP) Tuesday.

City council agreed unanimously Wednesday to have administration outline the implications of a municipal vaccine passport program for city-owned facilities and private businesses.

Coun. Aaron Paquette raised the idea at the council meeting.

"There's a lot of mixed emotions obviously among Edmontonians;the vast majority think this is too fast," Paquette said.

"I'm just wondering for businesses who want to continue with REP because it helps them and helps people feel comfortable going out to these places, what can the city do to assist these folks?"

The motion included an amendment put forward by Coun. Tim Cartmellto have the cityalso look at an active screening program at city facilities and businesses.

City manager Andre Corbould said as of Wednesday morning, staff at city facilities, including recreation centres, arenas,Edmonton Valley Zoo, Muttart Conservatory, John Janzen Nature Centre, and the Reuse Centre are screening patrons at the door for COVID-19 symptoms.

Administration is expected to report back to council Friday with options on a municipal program.

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Corbould said avaccination mandate would require a bylaw and it will be important to let businesses know in a timely manner if the city implements its own.

"It's a bit of an interesting predicament we're in, because if we carry on REP, the easiest thing to do is tell everybody, just carry on what you're doing yesterday, but the more days that they go without instituting REP, the more change it is for them."

Mayor disappointed

Mayor Amarjeet Sohinotedthat the province did not consult the cityabout its plans to lift COVID-19 restrictions.

"I wish they were done in a more thoughtful way, a more gradual way," Sohi said at amedia availability late Wednesday afternoon. "I am really disappointed."

• Edmonton extends mask bylaw indefinitely

Alberta Premier Jason Kenneywarned municipalities Tuesday against charting their own course.

"If it is their intention to create an entirely separate municipal public health policy that is different and apart from the province, I think that is a serious problem," Kenney said at a news conference.

"I think turning a public health policy like this into some kind of a local political football is not helpful."

Sohisaid thecity needs to do what it can to protect people from the spread of COVID-19.

"We're being forced to look into these measures," Sohi said."This is not our choice;we don't want to have our own municipal exemption program in place."

Calgary city council voted Wednesday against implementing aproof of vaccination mandate.

• Calgary council wants province to share data and recommendations that led to easing of restrictions

Edmonton's face-covering bylaw remains the same anyone over two years of age is required to wear a mask or face covering when entering indoor public places.

Masking for children 12 and under will be removed from provincial guidelineson Feb. 14. Masking will be liftedfor the public as a whole on Mar. 1.