Officials investigate possible breach of COVID-19 passport for Quebec politicians

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MONTREAL – Quebec’s health ministry said it received reports of people downloading proof of COVID-19 vaccination QR codes belonging to provincial politicians.

“Regarding the evidence of vaccination of public figures that have been uploaded, formal complaints have already been lodged with the police,” the ministry said on Friday. “Relevant authorities will investigate and determine whether criminal charges should be laid.”

The government says it takes these allegations of misuse of COVID-19 vaccine data evidence “very seriously.”

Last Wednesday, Quebecers were invited to upload their proof of COVID-19 vaccine using the VaxiCode application.

“We can no longer let unvaccinated people fill our hospitals, so we must protect the health of the population,” said Quebec Health Minister Christian Dubé. “We need to protect our healthcare workers, but we also need to protect our economy. “

Starting September 1, traders will need to ask anyone entering their establishment to not only show proof of vaccination, but also photo ID to show that the information matches.

“The QR code and the personal information it contains cannot be used without the consent of the persons concerned,” insists the ministry. “Violators who fail to comply with this requirement face significant penalties which may result in civil and criminal prosecution.”

He advises all traders to report any attempt to falsify documents to the police.

The information in the QR code includes name, date of birth, and list of vaccines received. No other personal information, such as biometrics or financial data, is included.

“The QR code therefore contains less information than a driver’s license or a health insurance card,” adds the Ministry of Health. “The objective was to have an easy-to-use tool for the entire population.

Quebec health officials reiterate that the QR code is a secure system, but there is still time to make the necessary adjustments or improvements before the passport goes into effect on September 1.

As of this day, Quebecers will have to present their proof of vaccination in order to access various non-essential services in the province.

The decision to implement a vaccine passport is part of an effort to curb the spread of the highly contagious Delta variant of the COVID-19 virus.

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