Quebec's Vaccine Passport Has A 'Grace Period' Where Penalties Won't Be Imposed

It's official — as of September 1, many non-essential events and places in the province will now require Quebec's vaccine passport upon entry.

But, if you're running around like a chicken without its head trying to figure out how everything works, know that the provincial government confirmed, "In order to allow time for operators or persons in charge of the affected sites and activities to adjust, a grace period is provided between September 1 and 15. During this period, the vaccination passport will be required, but no penalties will be applied to businesses and venues where the activities are held."

You'll now have to show your vaccine passport by either using the VaxiCode app, having a screenshot of your QR code or having paper proof of having received a second vaccine dose against COVID-19, for access to activities including events and festivals, theatres and sports venues, casinos, movie theatres, training rooms, team sports, bars, restaurants and some extracurricular activities. You can find the full list of events here.

After September 15, Quebec also plans to issue penalties for people and businesses who refuse to use vaccine passports. In a press conference, Health Minister Christian Dubé said fines will vary between $1,000 to $6,000 for anyone who refuses to use the vaccine passport in places where it's required.

And it's important to note that Dubé warned that there will also be consequences for anyone who tries to "get through" the system. He said it is considered criminal activity to "falsify" one's documents. "There are penalties and sanctions for inappropriate uses" and, he continued, "there are sanctions in the criminal code for people who want to alter a document that's used by public health."