Canadians Strongly Favour Vaccine Certificates For Sports, Dining

August 5, 2021 Jim Byers

A new poll from Nanos Research finds the vast majority of Canadians favour some kind of proof of vaccination for people to attend public events.

The firm asked 1,002 Canadians the following question at the end of July and early in August:

“Would you support, somewhat support, somewhat oppose or oppose
unvaccinated people being denied access to public gatherings like sporting
events or indoor dining in restaurants?”

Fifty nine per cent of respondents said they support such measures, while 19% said they “somewhat support” the concept. That’s a combined support level of 78%.

Fifteen per cent of those surveyed said they oppose such a policy, while five per cent said they somewhat oppose the idea. Two per cent were unsure.

Editor’s note: I wrote earlier today that the poll will almost certainly embolden Canadian politicians thinking of enacting laws that would limit what kind of activities non-vaccinated people can experience. Not two hours later, Quebec Premier Francois Legault announced that he’s worried about rising COVID-19 numbers in the province and will bring in a form of vaccine certificate or vaccine passport.

One interesting finding is that support for vaccine-related restrictions is highest in Ontario, where 80.5% per cent of respondents support or somewhat support such a policy. Ontario Premier Doug Ford has so far rejected the concept, although business leaders and Toronto Mayor John Tory have expressed support.

The area with the least support for such policies was Atlantic Canada, but even there 75% of respondents support or somewhat support the idea of vaccine restrictions. In Quebec, the idea was supported by 77.5% of survey respondents.

Support was strongest in older Canadians, with 83.5% of those 55 and older agreeing with some kind of restrictions on restaurant and sporting event attendance.

Quebec has suggested it will require proof of vaccination for some activities if COVID-19 infection numbers get significantly higher. But it hasn’t spelled out the metrics it would use to make that decision.

New York City this week said it will ban non-vaccinated residents from restaurants, gyms and theatres. France and Italy also have placed restrictions on those without full vaccination status.

In a story in Thursday’s Globe and Mail, Nik Nanos, chief data scientist at Nanos Research, said he wasn’t surprised at the numbers given that more than 80% of Canadians aged 12 and over have had their first vaccine dose.

“There is a minority that is vocal in opposition, but it’s a very small minority,” he told the Globe.

About the Author