B.C. Premier John Horgan. (Province of B.C.)

By David Opinko

Albertans will need proof of vaccination to visit certain B.C. businesses & recreational settings

Aug 24, 2021 | 11:17 AM

LETHBRIDGE, AB – If you are planning to visit B.C. on or after September 13, you will need to prove that you have been vaccinated against COVID-19.

B.C. Premier John Horgan announced that a first dose will be required to attend certain settings on September 13 and full vaccination will be needed as of October 24.

“There is no reason why those who are anxious to participate in the social and economic life of our community can’t take that next step and get that safe, effective vaccine,” says Horgan. “They’re [vaccines] free. We have clinics around the province, there will be more opportunities through popup clinics, through walk-in clinics.”

The B.C. Ministry of Health confirms that proof of vaccination will also be required for people visiting the province from outside of B.C. using a provincially recognized official record alongside a valid government ID.

Since Alberta does not have an actual proof of vaccination card, we reached out to the ministry in B.C. to confirm what kinds of proof will be needed. Officials there were not sure yet but hope to get back to us shortly with more details.

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A spokesperson from Alberta’s Ministry of Health says Albertans would likely be able to show their immunization status through MyHealth Records, but those decisions are up to B.C., not Alberta.

The full list of settings where proof of vaccination will be required is as follows:

• indoor ticketed sporting events
• indoor concerts
• indoor theatre/dance/symphony events
• restaurants (indoor and patio dining)
• night clubs
• casinos
• movie theatres
• fitness centres/gyms (excluding youth recreational sport)
• businesses offering indoor high-intensity group exercise activities
• organized indoor events (eg. weddings, parties, conferences, meetings, workshops)
• discretionary organized indoor group recreational classes and activities

Residents of B.C. will be able to access a secure weblink before September 13 where they would be able to confidentially access their proof of vaccination.