Canadians want vaccine passports. Why is Ontario’s government saying no?

Guest: Robert Benzie, Toronto Star Queen’s Park bureau chief

A majority of Canadians say they are in favour of vaccine passports, the documentation proving people who enter a public space, like restaurants, gyms or arenas have a full set of vaccinations. They are the latest tool in the great balancing act of COVID safety measures with reopenings and the fourth wave as The Delta variant continues to spread. The pressure is now on the Ontario government to mandate a passport system of its own, just as jurisdictions such as Quebec, Manitoba, Prince Edward Island and other international destinations have already created similar systems. And yet, Ontario Premier Doug Ford has steadfastly said no to any vaccine passports in the province. Why is the province going against the calls of Canadians, businesses and health care professionals? Could there be changes soon?

This episode was edited to remove a statement about whether a business refusing an unvaccinated customer does or does not violate the Charter of Rights and Freedoms.