On October 15, 2021, the Ontario government announced the release of the Verify Ontario application for businesses and organizations and the enhanced vaccine certificate with a QR code for all individuals. Establishments are now able to use the Verify Ontario application to scan and read the enhanced vaccine certificates in Ontario and SMART Health Codes from other provinces including Quebec, British Columbia, and Yukon Territory. The application does not store or retain any personal data, which will allow businesses and organizations to securely and efficiently verify patrons’ proof of vaccination.
The enhanced vaccine certificate with a QR Code is now available for all individuals to download from the province’s COVID-19 Vaccine Portal, and can also be accessed by mail or email by calling the Provincial Vaccine Contact Centre at 1-833-943-3900. Once individuals obtain their certificate, they can save it on their phone or print a paper copy. Businesses and organizations are required to accept both electronic and paper versions of the enhanced vaccine certificate. Individuals must continue to provide a piece of identification with their name and date of birth in addition to their proof of vaccination prior to entering certain establishments (see our previous post for more information on which businesses and organizations require proof of vaccination upon entry). Currently, the enhanced vaccine certificate with a QR code and the vaccine receipt without the QR code are both valid as proof of vaccination.
On October 15, 2021, Ontario filed an amendment to the Rules for Areas at Step 3 and at the Roadmap Exit Step. This amendment specifies that businesses and organizations are allowed to use an electronic application that is listed under the guidance authorized by the Ministry of Health to confirm, for the purposes of proof of vaccination, that a patron is fully vaccinated against COVID-19 or is entitled to an exemption. Currently, the only electronic application that is authorized by the Ministry of Health is the Verify Ontario application.
This amendment also introduces another exemption to the proof of vaccination requirement. In addition to the list of exemptions from providing proof of vaccination, which includes a valid medical reason for not being vaccinated against COVID-19, individuals are exempt from the proof of vaccination requirement if they provide documentation that they are currently participating in a COVID-19 vaccine clinical trial that is authorized by Health Canada and stated under Appendix C of the Ministry of Health’s guidance.
Takeaways for Employers
Employers who are required to ask patrons for proof of vaccination prior to their entry into its establishment should consider downloading the Verify Ontario application. This application will allow employers to securely verify patrons’ enhanced vaccine certificates with a QR code and will provide employees, who oversee screening patrons, with a more efficient tool to ensure that the establishment is complying with their health and safety obligations.
Employers should also be aware of the new exemption from the proof of vaccination requirement. More specifically, patrons will not be required to provide proof of vaccination if they provide documentation which indicates that they are currently participating in a COVID-19 vaccine clinical trial authorized by Health Canada.
We will continue to monitor all COVID-19 related developments as more information becomes available.
This blog is provided as an information service and summary of workplace legal issues.
This information is not intended as legal advice.