Vancouver Canucks 'exploring the possibility' of requiring vaccine proof for entry to local games
The Vancouver Canucks are considering making vaccines mandatory for anyone wanting to watch a home game in the upcoming season.
The team said Wednesday it's in talks with local health authorities as it prepares to welcome back fans to Rogers Arena and the Abbotsford Centre.
In a statement, the Canucks' president of business operations told CTV News the team is "fully committed to the safety of our staff, players, season ticket members and fans."
"While we have not made any final decisions, we are definitely exploring the possibility of requiring proof of vaccination for entry into our venues," Michael Doyle said.
Doyle added policies are expected to be finalized "in the coming weeks."
The announcement came after the Winnipeg Jets said they plan to have their arena at full capacity for home games next season, and will require attendees to prove they’re immunized.
An immunologist from the University of British Columbia said he hopes the Canucks follow the Jets’ lead.
“People in a very tight crowd, shouting and yelling, is a recipe for disaster with this virus. I think having unvaccinated people in that situation is just a really bad idea,” Dr. Kelly McNagny said.
He suggested those who choose not to be vaccinated should stay away from large events, out of respect for immunocompromised people and young children.
“There are some people who will get vaccinated and not have a strong immune response – people who’ve had an organ transplant or are on immunosuppression for autoimmune disease," said McNagny.
The doctor also noted that many children under the age of 12, who are currently ineligible for any of the vaccines, go to Canucks games.
Last week, Quebec became the first province to announce residents will need to show proof of vaccination to access some non-essential services. B.C.'s top doctor was asked about the practice and didn't rule it out, saying officials are "looking at all options and continue to look at all options."
While COVID-19 vaccinations are not mandatory, Dr. Bonnie Henry said those who don’t get immunized risk missing out on certain events, like live sports.
“If you choose not to be immunized, you don’t necessarily have the right to go into a high-risk environment with people who have been immunized and are protected,” Henry said Thursday.
Henry also previously hinted she supports businesses establishing their own rules around vaccines, saying it could help people feel more comfortable.
"If I was running a nightclub, I'd want to make sure my staff are protected. And yes, we can absolutely say, 'To come in here you have to be immunized,'" she said late last month.
"It does affect your business. If you have an outbreak and it's transmitting between staff, the business will need to shut down for a period of time."
An immunologist from the University of British Columbia said he hopes B.C. follows Quebec's lead.
"My opinion is that B.C. should follow suit. I think it makes sense scientifically, it makes senses epidemiologically," Dr. Kelly McNagny said.
When discussing proof of vaccination last week, B.C.'s health minister said officials are working now on making it easier for everyone to access their record.
With files from CTV News Vancouver's Shannon Paterson
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Half of Canadians have negative opinion of latest Liberal budget: poll
A new poll suggests the Liberals have not won over voters with their latest budget, though there is broad support for their plan to build millions of homes.
opinion Why you should protect your investments by naming a trusted contact person
Appointing a trusted person to help with financial obligations can give you peace of mind. In his personal finance column for CTVNews.ca, Christopher Liew outlines the key benefits of naming a confidant to take over your financial responsibilities, if the need ever arises.
NEW 'One of the single most terrifying things ever': Canadian couple among tourists on sinking sailing boat tour abroad
A Toronto couple are speaking out about their “extremely dangerous” experience on board a sinking tour boat in the Dominican Republic last week.
'My stomach dropped': Winnipeg man speaks out after being criminally harassed following single online date
A Winnipeg man said a single date gone wrong led to years of criminal harassment, false arrests, stress and depression.
Ottawa injects another $36M into vaccine injury compensation fund
The federal government has added $36.4 million to a program designed to support people who have been seriously injured or killed by vaccines since the end of 2020.
Photographer alleges he was forced to watch Megan Thee Stallion have sex and was unfairly fired
A photographer who worked for Megan Thee Stallion said in a lawsuit filed Tuesday that he was forced to watch her have sex, was unfairly fired soon after and was abused as her employee.
An Ontario senior called Geek Squad for help with his printer. Instead, he got scammed out of $25,000
An Ontario senior’s attempt to get technical help online led him into a spoofing scam where he lost $25,000. Now, he’s sharing his story to warn others.
Accused of burglary at stepmother's home, U.S. senator says she wanted her father's ashes: charges
A Minnesota state senator and former broadcast meteorologist told police that she broke into her stepmother's home because her stepmother refused to give her items of sentimental value from her late father, including his ashes, according to burglary charges filed Tuesday.
Twins from Toronto were Canada's top two female finishers at this year's Boston Marathon
When identical twin sisters Kim and Michelle Krezonoski were invited to compete against some of the world’s most elite female runners at last week’s Boston Marathon, they were in disbelief.