Thousands protest COVID-19 measures and vaccine passport in Montreal
Posted September 5, 2021 5:13 pm.
MONTREAL — Thousands took to the streets of downtown Montreal Sunday afternoon to denounce the province’s COVID-19 health measures, including the vaccine passport.
The new measure, implemented Sept. 1, has met with some resistance and been the subject of some protests since it was first announced.
The government is requiring anyone in the province to show proof of vaccination to access businesses and events deemed non-essential, such as restaurants, gyms and festivals.
Patrons are required to show quick response codes, or QR codes, issued by the government, which are scanned by a smartphone application. People from outside the province must show ID and a paper copy of their proof of vaccination.
Protesters gathered in downtown Montreal Sunday, calling on the government to revoke the vaccine passport.
Some held signs reading “No to Medical Discrimination,” “Stop COVID Vaccine Propaganda” and “My Body, My Choice.”
Several waved large Quebec flags above the crowd.
Quebec opposition parties have also denounced the provincial government’s refusal to hold a debate regarding the vaccine passport, saying it reflects a larger problem with its use of emergency powers.
With files from The Canadian Press.
