The recent ‘Global Public Backs COVID-19 Vaccine Passports For International Travel’ survey conducted for the World Economic Forum by the global market research firm Ipsos, revealed that the global support for implementing vaccine passports has increased to reopen international travel.
Canada is also considering implementing vaccine passports to let foreign nationals enter the country or attend large events. A vaccine passport means that travelers must show proof that they have been vaccinated against Covid-19 to be allowed to travel internationally.
According to the survey, 3 in 4 adults across 28 countries support vaccine passports. While Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau expressed his concerns regarding vaccine passports leading to discrimination in mid-March, there is still a huge possibility that Canada may implement vaccine passports to reopen international travel. See visitor visas and temporary residence for travel to Canada.
Why Would Vaccine Passports Lead to Discrimination?
As Prime Minister Trudeau said, the idea of vaccine passports already exists as many countries require travelers to be vaccinated against certain diseases before they are allowed to enter. However, the idea of using vaccine certificates domestically brings in the question of equity and fairness as based on these certifications people will be allowed to go different places or participate in certain activities.
There might be several reasons why someone won’t be able to vaccinate or have to wait longer to access vaccines. Therefore, these things must be taken into consideration before vaccine passports can be implemented. However, the Ipsos survey largely shows that the Canadian population is in favor of vaccine passports for domestic travel and even for participating in large events at least until the spread of Covid-19 can be contained.
