By Canadian Press

Debate on vaccine passports would expose Quebecers to conspiracy theories: Legault

Aug 12, 2021 | 9:49 AM

MONTREAL — Quebec Premier François Legault is refusing to hold a debate in the legislature on vaccine passports partly because he says he fears Quebecers would be exposed to conspiracy theories.

Legault adds that neither debates nor legislative hearings are needed on his government’s plan to impose vaccine passports because the three largest opposition parties support the health order.

Quebec’s second and third largest opposition parties, however, have called for a debate in the legislature on the passport system.

Legault says he feels he has support from citizens for passports because 85 per cent of residents over 12 have received at least one dose of COVID-19 vaccine.

Speaking to reporters in Saguenay, Que., north of Quebec City, Legault said today he doesn’t want people “whom I won’t name” to explain that vaccines are a conspiracy and the government is looking to put chips in people’s arms to track their movements.

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Legault has said the state will require people to show proof of vaccination to access non-essential businesses such as gyms and restaurants by Sept. 1.

Meanwhile, Quebec is reporting 369 new cases of COVID-19 today and no additional deaths linked to the novel coronavirus. Hospitalizations rose by 14 from the day before, to 81, and 28 people were in intensive care, a rise of six. 

“I don’t want certain people, whom I won’t name, come explain that there’s a conspiracy, (that) it’s not good to be vaccinated, that in the end we’re putting a microchip in people’s arms to follow what they’re doing, stories like that,” Legault told reporters.

“I don’t think we need that in Quebec.”

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Aug. 12, 2021.

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This story was produced with the financial assistance of the Facebook and Canadian Press News Fellowship.

The Canadian Press