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
Young people 'tortured' if stolen vehicle operations fail, Montreal police tell MPs
One day after a Montreal police officer fired gunshots at a suspect in a stolen vehicle, senior officers were telling parliamentarians that organized crime groups are recruiting people as young as 15 in the city to steal cars so that they can be shipped overseas.
Man sets self on fire outside New York court where Trump trial underway
A man set himself on fire on Friday outside the New York courthouse where Donald Trump's historic hush-money trial was taking place as jury selection wrapped up, but officials said he did not appear to have been targeting Trump.
Sask. father found guilty of withholding daughter to prevent her from getting COVID-19 vaccine
Michael Gordon Jackson, a Saskatchewan man accused of abducting his daughter to prevent her from getting a COVID-19 vaccine, has been found guilty for contravention of a custody order.
Mandisa, Grammy award-winning 'American Idol' alum, dead at 47
Soulful gospel artist Mandisa, a Grammy-winning singer who got her start as a contestant on 'American Idol' in 2006, has died, according to a statement on her verified social media. She was 47.
She set out to find a husband in a year. Then she matched with a guy on a dating app on the other side of the world
Scottish comedian Samantha Hannah was working on a comedy show about finding a husband when Toby Hunter came into her life. What happened next surprised them both.
'It was joy': Trapped B.C. orca calf eats seal meat, putting rescue on hold
A rescue operation for an orca calf trapped in a remote tidal lagoon off Vancouver Island has been put on hold after it started eating seal meat thrown in the water for what is believed to be the first time.
B.C. judge orders shared dog custody for exes who both 'clearly love Stella'
In a first-of-its-kind ruling, a B.C. judge has awarded a former couple joint custody of their dog.
Shivering for health: The myths and truths of ice baths explained
In a climate of social media-endorsed wellness rituals, plunging into cold water has promised to aid muscle recovery, enhance mental health and support immune system function. But the evidence of such benefits sits on thin ice, according to researchers.
'It could be catastrophic': Woman says natural supplement contained hidden painkiller drug
A Manitoba woman thought she found a miracle natural supplement, but said a hidden ingredient wreaked havoc on her health.