With no federal, provincial guidelines in place, businesses left to their own devices regarding proof of vaccination

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Published July 14, 2021 at 8:41 pm

goodlife

Ontario is set to enter Step 3 of the Province’s reopening framework on Friday (July 16), and it seems many businesses have been left to their own devices when it comes to allowing those who are not vaccinated onto the premises.

According to the Province’s framework, as part of Step 3, gyms and fitness centres are permitted to reopen at reduced capacity, as are cinemas, concert halls, theatres, and other performing arts venues.

However, there are no provincial guidelines regarding proof of vaccination—it’s up to the business if they choose to implement a requirement that those who wish to use their facilities must provide proof of vaccination.

On Wednesday, Goodlife, one of Canada’s largest gym chains, announced it would not be requiring members or staff to provide proof they have been vaccinated before being allowed to enter the facility.

“At this time, we are not planning to require Associates or Members to be vaccinated to enter our locations. For privacy reasons, GoodLife will not disclose information regarding any individual Associate’s vaccination status,” reads a tweet from the gym’s official Twitter account.

The decision has split Ontarians on social media, some are criticizing the gym’s decision, while others are praising it.

The Province has insisted the decision to implement vaccine passports should be the job of the federal government, and the government of Ontario does not currently intend to implement one.

However, while the federal government intends to implement a way for travellers to provide proof they have been vaccinated before entering the country, the government of Canada intends to leave domestic vaccine passports up to the individual provincial governments.

With neither side apparently willing to take the lead on vaccine passports, it seems, at least for now, the decision to require proof of vaccination will be up to each individual business.

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