Over 75% of Albertans would support vaccine passport, survey suggests

As Alberta Premier Jason Kenney announced financial incentives for the unvaccinated on Friday, a new poll suggests over 75 per cent of Albertans would support a vaccine passport system.

The national survey was conducted by polling and marketing research firm Leger in collaboration with The Canadian Press between Aug. 27 and 29, and included responses from 173 Albertans over the age of 18.

Seventy-seven per cent of Albertans surveyed said they would either somewhat or strongly support a vaccine passport system requiring proof of vaccination for non-essential services such as bars, restaurants, gyms and festivals.

As COVID cases have spiked during Canada's fourth wave, such systems have been introduced in several provinces, including Quebec, Ontario and British Columbia.

"We found that Albertans are not far out of step with Canadians across the country," said Leger vice-president Andew Enns.

Lori Williams, an associate professor of policy studies at Mount Royal University, told CBC News she is not surprised by the results.

"Those who have been vaccinated are concerned about infection by those who are not," Williams said. "And so giving greater access to those who are vaccinated and therefore at lower risk makes sense."

Taxpayers bear burden for $100 vaccine incentive, prof says

Alberta's vaccination rates have flattened in recent months while new COVID cases and hospitalizations have increased.

In other provinces, there has been some evidence that vaccine passport systems motivate unvaccinated populations to get the shot.

For example, the number of people registering for the vaccination program or booking appointments each day in B.C. jumped by as much as 201 per cent in a week.

Instead of a passport system that would introduce more hurdles for Alberta's unvaccinated population, Kenney announced Friday that the government would offer a $100 incentive for people to get their jabs.

"I wish we didn't have to do this, but this is not a time for moral judgments. This is a time to get people vaccinated," Kenney said.

"We have done everything we can. Left no stone unturned … [the unvaccinated] only [get] $100 if they do the right thing and get the jab. We're going to try everything we can, and this is the next step."

But jurisdictions that have introduced similar financial incentives for the unvaccinated — for example, Colorado — have not seen significant uptake, Williams said.

"What's happening here is that taxpayers are being allegedly appreciated for the sacrifices that they have made already," Williams said. "[And] they're going to be required to subsidize payment to people who have not gotten the vaccine up until this point — without clear evidence that this is even going to be effective."

Majority dissatisfied with Kenney's pandemic response

Meanwhile, Kenney ranked lower than any other premier in Canada in regard to his handling of the pandemic, according to the same Leger poll. 

Sixty-five per cent of Albertans said they were either somewhat or very dissatisfied with the measures Kenney has put in place to fight COVID-19.

However, the results were tabulated before the Alberta government's Friday unveiling of the $100 vaccination incentive.

The province also introduced curfews for restaurants and a recommendation that unvaccinated Albertans limit their social gatherings. As well, starting Saturday, masks will be required for all indoor public places and workplaces.

But Williams said she isn't sure it will help Kenney win popularity contests. 

"Albertans who are worried about their loved ones, those who are at high risk, who either can't get vaccinated or who are immunocompromised — they're now facing increased risk, [and] a premier that doesn't seem to understand the severity of that risk," Williams said.

For comparison purposes, a probability sample of the Leger poll would have a margin of error ± 7 per cent 19 times out of 20.