Not Thinking of All Citizens
As of September 20, 2021 the Restriction Exemption Program (REP) came into effect in Alberta. A variety of small and large businesses, institutions, and restaurants are opening through this program, including universities such as King’s. This means that in order to enter these places, individuals must have valid identification and a copy of their vaccine record card that they printed or took a screenshot of from MyHealth Alberta.
While the REP is great news for many individuals because they are able to begin going out again, the Alberta government did not take into consideration our province’s homeless population when they made this decision.
Why, you may ask? The majority of the homeless population does not carry identification, and in fact, many do not even own any sort of identification card. Similarly, many do not have access to a computer, printer, laminator, or cellphone to gain access to their vaccine cards.
Although Alberta’s homeless population has access to vaccinations, acquiring valid proof of vaccination status is proving more difficult. (Image: Los Angeles Times)
King’s alum Kaleigh Greidanus assists these individuals every day at the Edmonton Mustard Seed as they print off and laminate their cards. As she and I discussed this topic, we came to the same conclusion: How is this an effective way to examine proof of vaccination? A homeless individual may have received both doses of their vaccination, but without any form of government identification, they are still not permitted to enter into buildings and businesses that have opted to take part in the REP.
On top of all that, even if these individuals do gain access to the proper documentation, how are they going to keep track of a small piece of paper proving their vaccination status? These individuals are moving locations everyday, and many do not have access to a wallet or pockets to keep their vaccine card safe. They have more to take into consideration when moving their personal belongings than keeping track of a small piece of paper. Even for myself, as a privileged individual, I struggle to keep track of my own vaccine card.
Though there are many benefits to the REP, I believe the Government of Alberta needs to have a better understanding of their whole population and the potential disadvantages to this form of proof of vaccination. As an individual who used to volunteer for The Mustard Seed, I believe that the government needs to take a stance towards ending homelessness in our communities — or, at the very least, to provide these individuals with more resources and opportunities to assist them in overcoming poverty and working towards restoring their lives. Although the vaccine card program has a lot of benefits, it needs to be changed to take into account those among us who are most vulnerable.