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
Grandparents killed in wrong-way crash on Hwy. 401 identified
A 60-year-old man and a 55-year-old woman killed in a wrong-way crash on Highway 401 earlier this week have been identified by the Consulate General of India in Toronto.
Police arrest 3 Indian nationals in killing of B.C. Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar
Three people have been arrested and charged in the killing of B.C. Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar – as authorities continue investigating potential connections to the Indian government.
TD worst-case scenario more likely after drug money laundering allegations: analyst
TD Bank Group could be hit with more severe penalties than previously expected, says a banking analyst after a report that the investigation it faces in the U.S. is tied to laundering illicit fentanyl profits.
Human remains found in rural Sask. possibly a decade old, RCMP say
RCMP say human remains found in a rural area in central Saskatchewan may have been there for a decade or more.
2 charged after police find 'concerning and diverse' explosives at Manitoba home
Winnipeg police say they have arrested two people in their 20s after a large amount of explosives were found in a home outside of Winnipeg, Man.
Canadian doctor concerned new weight-loss drug Wegovy may be used inappropriately
As Wegovy becomes available to Canadians starting Monday, a medical expert is cautioning patients wanting to use the drug to lose weight that no medication is a ''magic bullet,' and the new medication is meant particularly for people who meet certain criteria related to obesity and weight.
Spain abolishes national bullfighting award in cultural shift
Spain scrapped an annual bullfighting award on Friday, prompting a rebuke from conservatives over a backlash against a centuries-old tradition they see as an art form but which has run into growing concern for animal welfare.
Drew Carey is never quitting 'The Price Is Right'
Drew Carey took over as host of 'The Price Is Right' and hopes he’s there for life. 'I'm not going anywhere,' he told 'Entertainment Tonight' of the job he took over from longtime host Bob Barker in 2007.
Police officer hit by driver of fleeing vehicle in Toronto
York Regional Police say they are continuing to search for a suspect in an auto theft investigation who was captured on video running over a police officer in Toronto last month.