Vaccination Policy Resources

As COVID-19 vaccination requirements and policies for all orders of government and organizations become more prevalent, nonprofits are looking to implement their own policies and to understand the impacts of these requirements on their organizations.  

The Government of Alberta has established an optional Restrictions Exemption Program (REP) for eligible “businesses/entities/organizers” across Alberta. Starting on September 20, 2021, businesses across Alberta are required to adhere to one of the following options: 

  1. Implement the Restrictions Exemption Program requiring proof of vaccination or negative test result, plus mandatory masking, to continue operating as usual,

    OR

  2. Comply with all public health restrictions as outlined in Order 42-2021. 

Nonprofits in Calgary should note that The City of Calgary passed a Vaccine Passport bylaw, which comes into effect on September 23rd, 2021, and it may have additional implications for operations. The details of that bylaw and its application can be found here.  

A survey conducted by the Alberta Nonprofit Network in partnership with CCVO (completed by 394 nonprofits from a range of subsectors and across the province) shows that the majority of organizations who responded to the survey are actively exploring or already have a policy in place requiring proof of vaccination among people who access their services, programs, and/or gatherings as well as for their staff and volunteers. The proportion of organizations exploring policies or with policies in place were similar across all three groups. Conversely, the proportion of organizations who responded that they are not actively exploring these policies ranged from 21-27% across the three groups.  

 

AB Covid Records Verifier app

Businesses and organizations can begin using the free AB Covid Records Verifier app to quickly and easily confirm their clients’ vaccination status. When a valid QR code is scanned, a green checkmark will verify the proof of vaccination. It will also display a person’s name and date of birth, which businesses are asked to check against other identification. The app does not store any personal information and does not require an internet connection to operate once downloaded.

The QR code contains a secure digital signature that verifies it’s provided by Alberta Health and it is extremely hard to forge. The same technology is used for secure transactions in the banking system and other industries. If a person does not meet the vaccination requirement set in the Restrictions Exemption Program or if the QR code is tampered with, the record will show as invalid when scanned.

The AB Covid Records Verifier app is available for download on Apple and Android devices through the respective app stores. For more information on how to use the app, please visit the Government of Alberta website.

further resources

Organizations are taking actions to inform policies and decisions, and to support communications on vaccinations for their organization, however, many nonprofits are still unsure of what resources and supports are available. Below are various resources to support the nonprofit sector as they navigate these uncertain times.

  • Read more about the REP and current public health actions in Alberta here.  

  • Learn more about the specific requirements that must be followed by organizations participating in the REP here. 

  • Explore Government of Alberta workplace guidance and supports to help businesses and non-profits affected by COVID-19 operate safely and support their recovery including the Rapid Testing Program here. 

  • Learn more about Alberta’s mobile vaccination clinic, schedule, and locations here. 

  • Read more about the potential implications of implementing vaccine mandates and passports in the workplace here and here.

  • Read more about human rights and vaccines from the Alberta Human Rights Commission here.

  • Explore the Align Association of Community Services Resource Directory on vaccine policy here.

  • The Social Policy Collaborative, made up of several social service agencies in Calgary, is in the process of developing a mandatory vaccination policy for service delivery organizations in the nonprofit sector. To learn more or get involved in this conversation contact Meaghon Reid at meaghon@vibrantcalgary.com