'A split society': Doug Ford rejects vaccine passports for Ontario

Ontario Premier Doug Ford has shared his opposition to a vaccine passport being implemented in Ontario, saying that they would cause a split society.

The Daily Hive reports Ford made the comments at a July 15 press conference, when he was asked about a potential provincial vaccine passport.

"I’ve never believed in proof," said Ford. "The answer is no. We aren’t going to do it. We aren’t going to have a split society."

Ford also stated that he did not support workplaces requiring proof of vaccination, but said he would allow private companies to make their own decisions on the matter.

For government workplaces, including healthcare settings, Ford will also not be mandating vaccinations. Saying, "I think it’s their constitutional right to take it or not take it. These are super bright people that work their backs off… They understand healthcare a lot better than I do."

"We encourage them to do it. I’ve been up here for months begging, pleading [for] everyone to get it, but no one should be forced to do anything," added the premier.

At the federal level, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said they would be leaving the issue of domestic vaccine passports to provinces.

Manitoba has already introduced a vaccine passport, and being fully vaccinated is now a requirement to access casinos, cinemas, and museums as well dining indoors with others. The Quebec government said it will introduce a vaccine passport in the fall if cases go up.

Ford was asked if he would change his mind about mandatory vaccination in the future, to which he responded "no, hard no."