Quebec Premier François Legault has scrapped a plan to tax the unvaccinated, weeks after announcing they’d be charged a “health contribution” due to the financial burden they impose on the rest of society.
Legault said he was concerned about the divisions such a move would cause among the population.
"My role is to try to bring Quebecers together to stay united. This is why we won't go ahead with the health contribution," he said Tuesday. "I understand that this divides Quebecers and right now we need to build bridges."
Other Covid-19 restrictions are being lifted in Quebec and Ontario as well.
Quebec and neighboring Ontario, which together account for around 61% of Canada's population, are starting to lift restrictions amid signs that the Omicron variant has peaked.
But experts in Ontario on Tuesday said this meant infections and hospitalizations linked to the variant would start rising.
Ontario removed some limits on businesses on Monday, allowing restaurants, malls, and cinemas to start operating with a 50% capacity. It plans to further relax curbs later in February and March. (Reuters)
The announcement from Legault comes as truckers have descended on the capital city of Ottawa to protest vaccine mandates for cross-border drivers.
While Legault denies his decision has anything to do with the protest, many didn't see it that way.
Guys, this freedom movement IS working.
— Traditional Canadian Girl ???? (@canadiangirls99) February 1, 2022
Quebec IS dropping the taxation of the unvaccinated.
I can’t believe that was ever a thing but the tyrants are breaking. Keep pushing.
Freedom is winning ????
This is a major reversal and huge climbdown from Legault. Anyone who was at the protests would have immediately noticed the very large number of people from Quebec, from far flung places in the province, not just Gatineau and Montreal. https://t.co/vGkYrtwiV2
— Rupa Subramanya (@rupasubramanya) February 1, 2022
The Great Honkening is working https://t.co/218m0F36I5
— Tim Pool (@Timcast) February 2, 2022
The premier of Saskatchewan also announced his support for the truckers, called for an end to the federal mandate for cross-border drivers, and said they will soon be ending the proof of vaccination/negative test policy in Saskatchewan.
Today, trucker rallies are being held at many locations across the country, including on Parliament Hill in Ottawa and in various communities in Saskatchewan.
— Scott Moe (@PremierScottMoe) January 29, 2022
Here is my message to Saskatchewan and Canadian truckers: pic.twitter.com/LifQ2FK23b
First Premier of Saskatchewan announced he's ending provincial mandates. Now Quebec is trashing proposed unvax tax. This is happening much faster than I thought. God Bless the Truckers #TruckersForFreedom2022 pic.twitter.com/tVDlyNrZuH
— CryptoMom (@1Dani_12) February 2, 2022
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