'Rendering it useless': Alberta releases proof of vaccination QR code without an app to scan it
Author of the article:Kellen Taniguchi
Publishing date:Oct 01, 2021 • 2 days ago • 2 minute read • 20 Comments
Kelly Gordon uses B.C.'s verification app to checks vaccination status at Romer's restaurant in Vancouver. PHOTO BY NICK PROCAYLO /Postmedia
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Albertans can now download their restriction exemption program QR code, however, it cannot be scanned yet
According to the provincial website, the AB COVID Records Verifier app will be launched to scan the codes soon.
“The UCP has had weeks to develop a secure vaccine passport system. Every day without one further risks public health, the personal information of Albertans and damage to our economy,” said Deron Bilous, NDP critic for economic development and innovation in a Friday news release.
The development of a QR code comes on the heels of the provincial government receiving criticism when it first launched its restriction exemption program card because it was too easy to edit and potentially falsify the document.
Meanwhile, Manitoba, Quebec and B.C. have all introduced scannable QR codes for proof of vaccination and Saskatchewan launched its QR code system on Wednesday.
“There is no reason for delays from the UCP. Other jurisdictions have already moved forward with this and Alberta is falling behind. As a result, they’re downloading responsibility on to businesses in the middle of this crisis,” said Bilous. “We need leadership from the government. We need a simple, secure and scannable vaccine passport.”
Premier Jason Kenney said in a Facebook live session on Sept. 16 that a QR code would be available in the near future in addition to the wallet-size printable proof of vaccination document.
“We’re hoping that by early October, the current target day is Oct. 1, you’ll also be able to go on there and download an app, I should say there will be an app which you’ll be able to download and through that get a QR code on your smartphone or print out a QR code,” Kenney said.
He added the codes will be machine readable and show a person’s name and vaccination status.
Alberta’s NDP Opposition has been calling for a scannable vaccine passport since August and Friday’s news release calls the now available QR codes “useless.”
“On Friday, the government launched a QR code for proof of vaccination, but failed to provide the accompanying app to read the code, rendering it useless,” reads the release.
Article content
Albertans can now download their restriction exemption program QR code, however, it cannot be scanned yet
According to the provincial website, the AB COVID Records Verifier app will be launched to scan the codes soon.
“The UCP has had weeks to develop a secure vaccine passport system. Every day without one further risks public health, the personal information of Albertans and damage to our economy,” said Deron Bilous, NDP critic for economic development and innovation in a Friday news release.
The development of a QR code comes on the heels of the provincial government receiving criticism when it first launched its restriction exemption program card because it was too easy to edit and potentially falsify the document.
Meanwhile, Manitoba, Quebec and B.C. have all introduced scannable QR codes for proof of vaccination and Saskatchewan launched its QR code system on Wednesday.
“There is no reason for delays from the UCP. Other jurisdictions have already moved forward with this and Alberta is falling behind. As a result, they’re downloading responsibility on to businesses in the middle of this crisis,” said Bilous. “We need leadership from the government. We need a simple, secure and scannable vaccine passport.”
Premier Jason Kenney said in a Facebook live session on Sept. 16 that a QR code would be available in the near future in addition to the wallet-size printable proof of vaccination document.
“We’re hoping that by early October, the current target day is Oct. 1, you’ll also be able to go on there and download an app, I should say there will be an app which you’ll be able to download and through that get a QR code on your smartphone or print out a QR code,” Kenney said.
He added the codes will be machine readable and show a person’s name and vaccination status.
Alberta’s NDP Opposition has been calling for a scannable vaccine passport since August and Friday’s news release calls the now available QR codes “useless.”
“On Friday, the government launched a QR code for proof of vaccination, but failed to provide the accompanying app to read the code, rendering it useless,” reads the release.
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