Quebec scraps ‘vax tax’ for unvaccinated to maintain ‘social peace’; gyms reopen

Quebec is backing down on its proposed tax for the unvaccinated because the idea was too divisive, the province revealed Tuesday.

“When we see what’s happening in our society and on social media, I have a certain worry about seeing Quebecers divided,” Quebec Premier François Legault told reporters in Quebec City.

Legault announced last month the province was working on a “significant” health-care “contribution” that would be charged to all adults who refused to get vaccinated against COVID-19.

That announcement led to a spike in first-dose vaccination bookings in Quebec. It also sparked controversy over legal and ethical concerns.

But Legault backpedalled on the imposition of the so-called “vax tax” at a press conference on Tuesday afternoon, saying it would only lead to social division.

Legault said his role is to ensure a climate of “social peace and a certain social cohesion” in the province.

“It’s time to build bridges between Quebecers, it’s time to lend a helping hand. For two years we’ve been living in a historical crisis, and in such moments there are scars.

“Now it’s time to work together, it’s time to get together so that Quebec remains unified.”

Finance Minister Eric Girard had prepared a bill to tax Quebecers who refused to get vaccinated against COVID-19 without a medical reason, Legault said, but the legislation will not be tabled.

Taxing the unvaccinated was one of a handful of measures proposed by the province in January to compel people to get their doses. Officials imposed a vaccine passport requirement for anyone wishing to enter a liquor (SAQ) or cannabis store (SQDC).

The Canadian Civil Liberties Association had called the tax plan deeply troubling, noting the Charter of Rights and Freedoms recognizes individual autonomy over our bodies and medical decisions.

Gyms and spas reopen, sports return in Quebec

Legault also detailed the next stages of the province’s plans to loosen COVID-19 restrictions, which includes opening gyms, spas and the return of sports for adults on Feb. 14.

Gyms were forced to close along with restaurant dining rooms, a few days before Christmas.

READ: Quebec bars and gyms call on province to reopen them: ‘It’s getting very frustrating’

Last week Quebec restaurants were permitted to operate at half capacity, after shutting down over the holidays due to record-high hospitalizations.

Private indoor gatherings of up to four people, or two family bubbles, were also permitted. Extracurricular sports resumed in elementary and high schools, CEGEPs and universities with the mandatory vaccine passport for students age 13 and over.

The second phase of the province’s plan to ease restrictions is set for next week, with places of worship, entertainment and sports venues allowed to reopen with limited capacity on Feb. 7.

—With files from The Canadian Press.