Quebec is all set to become the first Canadian province to charge a health tax to Canadians who aren’t vaccinated against COVID-19.
The province has suffered the highest number of COVID-related deaths in Canada, and is currently battling another spike in cases.
On Tuesday, Premier François Legault confirmed that unvaxxed Quebecers over the age of 18 must get their first dose in the next few weeks—otherwise they will be fined.
Only about 12.8 percent of Quebec residents aren’t vaccinated, but they account for nearly a third of all hospital cases. According to Legault, the unvaxxed also make up about 50 percent of patients in intensive care beds in the region.
“Because of this, I’m announcing that we are currently working on a ‘health contribution’ that all adults in Quebec who refuse to get vaccinated will be charged,” the premier said.
“All adults in Quebec who refuse to go get at least a first dose during the upcoming weeks will have a bill to pay because there are consequences on our health network,” he explained in French.
Though the premier didn’t specify what the exact amount of the fine would be, he said it’s expected to be a “significant amount.”
“I think right now it’s a question of fairness for the 90% of the population who made some sacrifices,” Legault continued. “I think we owe them this kind of measure.”
Those who are unable to get vaccinated due to medical reasons will be exempt from paying the fine, Legault said, though he didn’t confirm what kinds of reasons would be accepted.
Last week, Quebec announced residents would require proof of vaccination to shop at government cannabis and liquor stores. This resulted in a surge in vaccination appointments in the province.
There are currently 100,448 active COVID-19 cases in Quebec. Hospitalizations have risen to 2,742 and ICU numbers have increased to 255.
