Quebec is looking for a new way to encourage people to get immunized against the unprecedented situation and the government may have just found the way. Health Minister Christian Dubé’s office announced that is working with Finance Minister Eric Girard on introducing a lottery incentive program that aims of encouraging more people to get the jab.
Premier François Legault stated the vaccination rate among younger individuals in Quebec has hit a bit of an impasse. As of last Sunday, only 69% of the 18 to 39-year-old demographic have been immunized for the contagious virus. And overall, 80% of the eligible population has received at least one dose of a vaccine, and a total of 19% are now fully vaccinated.
Process Slowed Down
Premier Legault raised the topic of the vaccination process in the province this Monday while he was receiving his second dose at Montreal’s Olympic Stadium. The premier claimed that the province might follow the example of other jurisdictions across the country and introduce vaccination lotto promotion as an incentive to get people to immunize themselves.
The premier has also shared that said Quebec Health Minister Christian Dubé will be tasked with the initiative. On Monday, the Health Minister’s office has officially confirmed that the department is working on such a lotto program and more details could be announced soon. A spokesperson from the office stated that the purpose of the promotion will be to get as many people vaccinated with a second dose.
Premier Legault encouraged more people to get their second shot of the vaccine as soon as possible. He also shared that the province is working on fixing Clic Santé website and its issues that prevented people from making a booking for a second dose appointment. The premier also reminded Quebecers, that they can mix the vaccines as there is a slight delay in the latest Pfizer delivery.
Restrictions Lift
Previously, Quebec announced that it will be finally easing some of the lockdown restrictions in the province. This allowed Loto-Québec the opportunity to relaunch its land-based gaming properties in the province, as they were closed down due to health and safety concerns last year. The Crown agency reported that it will gradually start to reopen casinos and gambling halls.
The Crown’s Bingo and Kinzo halls and Salon de jeux de Trois-Rivières have already restarted operations from June 14. Casino de Charlevoix, Casino de Mont-Tremblant, and Salon de jeux de Québec reopened a week later on June 21. Casino du Lac-Leamy and Hilton Lac-Leamy are set for a June 23 reopening, and Casino de Montréal should restart on June 30.
Manitoba’s Lotto Promotion
Manitoba is among the Canadian jurisdictions that has officially introduced a draw-based incentive promotion to encourage more people to get the jab. Manitoba’s Premier Brian Pallister revealed that the lottery program will feature CA$2 million in cash prizes along with scholarships for the younger group age. He also stated that individuals above the age of 12 and who have received one dose of the vaccine before August 2 will be eligible for the prizes.
Source: Feith, Jesse “Quebec may create vaccine lottery to encourage more people to get the jab: Legault”, Montreal Gazette, June 22, 2021
