N.B. Liberals push for immediate expansion of vaccine passports
New Brunswick’s official opposition is pushing for Premier Blaine Higgs to immediately follow through on a pledge to make life “increasingly uncomfortable” for those choosing not to get a COVID-19 vaccine.
“We have to move. The premier has to stop sitting on his hands for this one,” said Liberal MLA Rob McKee on Wednesday. “I think we should see that immediately. There’s no need to delay this any longer.”
Higgs set the stage for expanding vaccine passports when he announced New Brunswick would be entering Level 3 of its COVID-19 Winter Plan.
“Over this two week period we are going to be re-evaluating what other restrictions we need to put on to encourage people to be part of protecting the greater good,” said Higgs on Jan. 13.
There was no new information offered Wednesday by the premier’s office or the Department of Health on what, if any restrictions, may be added.
McKee said the Liberals are in favour of requiring proof of vaccination at NB Liquor and Cannabis NB locations, following the lead of Quebec.
Earlier this month, Interim Liberal Leader Roger Melanson suggested Service New Brunswick be considered as a location for proof of vaccination. On Wednesday, McKee said residents, no matter their vaccination status, must be able to access essential services and wasn’t sure if including Service New Brunswick in any mandate was appropriate.
“I guess it’s yet to be seen and that’s why we feel that NB Liquor and Cannabis NB is really the next logical step,” said McKee.
Previously, Higgs said Quebec’s decision to enforce proof of vaccination at provincial liquor and cannabis outlets had been effective.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Young people 'tortured' if stolen vehicle operations fail, Montreal police tell MPs
One day after a Montreal police officer fired gunshots at a suspect in a stolen vehicle, senior officers were telling parliamentarians that organized crime groups are recruiting people as young as 15 in the city to steal cars so that they can be shipped overseas.
'It was joy': Trapped B.C. orca calf eats seal meat, putting rescue on hold
A rescue operation for an orca calf trapped in a remote tidal lagoon off Vancouver Island has been put on hold after it started eating seal meat thrown in the water for what is believed to be the first time.
Man sets self on fire outside New York court where Trump trial underway
A man set himself on fire on Friday outside the New York courthouse where Donald Trump's historic hush-money trial was taking place as jury selection wrapped up, but officials said he did not appear to have been targeting Trump.
Sask. father found guilty of withholding daughter to prevent her from getting COVID-19 vaccine
Michael Gordon Jackson, a Saskatchewan man accused of abducting his daughter to prevent her from getting a COVID-19 vaccine, has been found guilty for contravention of a custody order.
Mandisa, Grammy award-winning 'American Idol' alum, dead at 47
Soulful gospel artist Mandisa, a Grammy-winning singer who got her start as a contestant on 'American Idol' in 2006, has died, according to a statement on her verified social media. She was 47.
She set out to find a husband in a year. Then she matched with a guy on a dating app on the other side of the world
Scottish comedian Samantha Hannah was working on a comedy show about finding a husband when Toby Hunter came into her life. What happened next surprised them both.
B.C. judge orders shared dog custody for exes who both 'clearly love Stella'
In a first-of-its-kind ruling, a B.C. judge has awarded a former couple joint custody of their dog.
Saskatoon police to search landfill for remains of woman missing since 2020
Saskatoon police say they will begin searching the city’s landfill for the remains of Mackenzie Lee Trottier, who has been missing for more than three years.
Shivering for health: The myths and truths of ice baths explained
In a climate of social media-endorsed wellness rituals, plunging into cold water has promised to aid muscle recovery, enhance mental health and support immune system function. But the evidence of such benefits sits on thin ice, according to researchers.