Thread by @AdamMacVicar

Hello from City Hall! I’m here covering the Special Meeting of Council for @GlobalCalgary. We’re going to hear more on the city’s COVID-19 response. #YYC #YYCcc @GlobalCalgary

Mayor Nenshi chairing the meeting remotely. All councillors are attending virtually. Nobody in chambers besides city clerks. #YYC #YYCcc @GlobalCalgary

Nenshi says administration has been working 24/7 over the weekend to determine what the next steps for the City of Calgary will be. #YYC #YYCcc @GlobalCalgary

There will be a situation update, a bylaw related to the restrictions exemption program, enforcement details, an update on the city's vaccine outreach program. There's a personnel matter that isn't related to COVID-19. #YYC #YYCcc @GlobalCalgary

NEW: Calgary city council will be asked to approve a bylaw that would make the restrictions exemption program mandatory for all businesses included in the scope of the provincial program. #YYC #YYCcc @GlobalCalgary

CEMA Chief Sue Henry with a situational update now. Active cases are now at 5,487, an increase of 200 since last week. 300 active cases per 100k population. We're 3 times higher than the threshold to repeal the mask bylaw. The city's R value is 0.9. #YYC #YYCcc @GlobalCalgary

There are currently 262 people in hospital with COVID-19 in Calgary, 64 in ICU. #YYC #YYCcc @GlobalCalgary

Update on provincial vaccination requirements from administration now. #YYC #YYCcc @GlobalCalgary

Administration says engagement with stakeholders and businesses is prompting them to move forward with a Vaccine Passport Bylaw.

Admin says provincial program creates inconsistency, and downloads pressure on businesses. #YYC #YYCcc @GlobalCalgary

Currently, City of Calgary peace officers do not have the ability to enforce the restrictions exemption program. A bylaw would give them those enforcement powers. #YYC #YYCcc @GlobalCalgary

The City of Calgary is also working on signage for businesses. This was a concern they heard from the business community, similar to the mask bylaw signs. #YYC #YYCcc @GlobalCalgary

Alright, an update on supports for businesses.

Business and Local Economy Team has distributed more than $8M since July to 2,744 businesses through the reopening grant program. They're working on a new grant program for the passport program.

#YYC #YYCcc @GlobalCalgary

The City of Calgary now has 4 mobile COVID-19 vaccination vans and a larger bus. CEMA Chief Henry says they're ramping up vaccine distribution Calgary. #YYC #YYCcc @GlobalCalgary

The van is set up along the Bow River pathway near the Peace Bridge today. #YYC #YYCcc @GlobalCalgary

According to CEMA Chief Henry, there will be a map on the city's website for people to find out where those vans will be in the city. #YYC #YYCcc @GlobalCalgary

Nenshi asks for clarification about why a bylaw is necessary to mandate the province's proof of vaccination program. #YYC #YYCcc @GlobalCalgary

Administration says they've been hearing from businesses that the provincial program is confusing, and there is a want for consistency. "Opting in or opting out has put them in a tough spot," admin says. Enforcement is also a big factor, council hears. #YYC #YYCcc @GlobalCalgary

Nenshi asks about any indication from the province that municipal peace officers will be given the ability to enforce the latest health measures.

Admin says nothing to indicate a change in enforcement powers.

#YYC #YYCcc @GlobalCalgary

Councillor @JeromyYYC says councillors have not yet been given the bylaw. They're now distributing it to council. #YYC #YYCcc @GlobalCalgary

Councillor @gccarra asks how the bylaw would address the fact that customers need to show proof-of-vaccination but employees of establishments do not. Admin says no other province is extending that mandate to employees or staff of those businesses. #YYC #YYCcc @GlobalCalgary

"It would be problematic to step into that realm," city administration says. #YYC #YYCcc @GlobalCalgary

Councillor @gccarra says he's hearing from parents who don't want their kids vaccinated worried about youth sports. Admin says proof-of-vaccination would be required for those aged 12-17 for youth sports at city facilities. #YYC #YYCcc @GlobalCalgary

Admin says a lot of leagues have already implemented this, so the bylaw would fall in line with those decisions. #YYC #YYCcc @GlobalCalgary

Here is a list of businesses where the city's bylaw would apply. #YYC #YYCcc @GlobalCalgary

School activities in a city rec facility will be exempt from the proof-of-vaccination program. #YYC #YYCcc @GlobalCalgary

Councillor @BigRedyyc asks how they're finding themselves in this situation. She says council has been forced to do mop-up on behalf of the Premier. #YYC #YYCcc @GlobalCalgary

Nenshi says there was a clarification order issued over the weekend following the province's health measures announcement. He says there was a meeting with business leaders to determine what they need in this situation. #YYC #YYCcc @GlobalCalgary

Nenshi says they wanted to give peace officers enforcement authority. He says businesses wanted this to be mandatory. #YYC #YYCcc @GlobalCalgary

Nenshi says he wants it to go further including places of worship and personal services. But admin told him that would lead to more confusion. He says they're mirroring the province's program but making it enforcement and easy to implement. #YYC #YYCcc @GlobalCalgary

Mayor Nenshi says he was hoping to give councillors a couple days with the bylaw, but he says they do not have the luxury of time. #YYC #YYCcc @GlobalCalgary

Mobile vaccination program is funded through COFLEX funding, Nenshi says. He says this is the City of Calgary stepping out on its own. #YYC #YYCcc @GlobalCalgary

"The city is taking action with the power and resources we have," Nenshi says. #YYC #YYCcc @GlobalCalgary

Mayor Nenshi says Alberta Health Services have provided the vaccines for the City of Calgary to move forward with the mobile vaccination plan. #YYC #YYCcc @GlobalCalgary

Councillor @JeffDavisonYYC asks about performers at a venue and if they'd need to show proof. Admin says their interpretation is performers would be seen as employees. #YYC #YYCcc @GlobalCalgary

Councillor @JeromyYYC is asking if the city would be asking for proof of vaccination for those under 18. Admin says the provincial order requires that. #YYC #YYCcc @GlobalCalgary

Councillor @JeromyYYC asks why the city wants to implement a one size fits all approach and not a case by case basis. Nenshi says the bylaw creates a level playing field across the city. #YYC #YYCcc @GlobalCalgary

Councillor @JeromyYYC asks if there were any discussions with neighbouring communities. Nenshi says he has been in those discussions, and there is interest in what the City of Calgary is doing. #YYC #YYCcc @GlobalCalgary

Councillor @JeromyYYC asks what the city plans to do about vaccine hesitancy. CEMA says they're partnering with health experts and the province to help answer questions and there is a video in the works to help address concerns with the vaccine. #YYC #YYCcc @GlobalCalgary

Councillor @JyotiGondek asks if the City of Calgary has the ability to require staff/employees/performers to be vaccinated along with customers. Admin says there are concerns from small business about implementing vaccine requirements for staff. #YYC #YYCcc @GlobalCalgary

Admin says the province doesn't require that proof for staff in their health order. #YYC #YYCcc @GlobalCalgary

Admin says smaller businesses outlined concerns about asking for proof of vaccine for staff as it has a bigger impact on operations. They want guidance and assistance on how to approach that. #YYC #YYCcc @GlobalCalgary

Councillor @JyotiGondek asks if the city has that authority to mandate for employees/staff at those businesses. Legal department recommends council stay away from this field due to the level of complexity. #YYC #YYCcc @GlobalCalgary

Councillor @JyotiGondek asks if there has been logic applied to the provincial rules about staff not being required to have a shot, but patrons do have that requirement. #YYC #YYCcc @GlobalCalgary

Nenshi says you can't keep people from essential services including the ability to make a living. That's why grocery stores can't opt in to the program. #YYC #YYCcc @GlobalCalgary

Councillor @JyotiGondek asks if there is a standardized exemption letter. Admin says the provincial order references what is considered an exemption letter, nothing standardized. #YYC #YYCcc @GlobalCalgary

Nenshi says Dr. Hinshaw told him there are very few reasons people are medically exempt from masking like allergic reaction to their first shot, and a specific heart condition. #YYC #YYCcc @GlobalCalgary

Councillor @seanchucalgary says he has his two shots and will always wear his masks inside. He says he was asked for proof-of-vaccine today adding it is no different to a vaccine passport. He asks why the city needs to do its own bylaw. #YYC #YYCcc @GlobalCalgary

Administration says ultimately it comes down to clarity, including the name of the bylaw. #YYC #YYCcc @GlobalCalgary

"Any law without any enforcement means nothing," Councillor @seanchucalgary says. He says he voted in favour of the mask bylaw to give the enforcement powers to city bylaw officers. #YYC #YYCcc @GlobalCalgary

Councillor @seanchucalgary asks why Calgary bylaw officers don't have the authority to enforce the passport program. Admin says the province hasn't granted the city that authority. #YYC #YYCcc @GlobalCalgary

Mayor Nenshi says there is one item related to the COVID-19 response they must do behind closed doors. Very unclear what that is. #YYC #YYCcc @GlobalCalgary

Councillor @DruhFarrell moves the recommendations. She says it is time for the city to move on this, adding she feels provincial data is cherry-picked. #YYC #YYCcc @GlobalCalgary

Councillor @JyotiGondek says she is surprised to hear from some councillors who want the province to take the lead. She says council needs to make this a unanimous vote. "We need to show some leadership," she says. #YYC #YYCcc @GlobalCalgary

Admin says there will always be an element of discretion when it comes to enforcement. #YYC #YYCcc @GlobalCalgary

Councillor @JeromyYYC says he is vaccinated and encourages others to get the shot, but he isn't in favour of mandating vaccines for youth sports. #YYC #YYCcc @GlobalCalgary

Mayor Nenshi asks if people will have to carry a city passport and a provincial passport. Admin says this bylaw is for the provincial passport. This comes after Councillor Farkas called this bylaw redundant. #YYC #YYCcc @GlobalCalgary

Councillor @gccarra not happy. He says they've been discussing this for two hours now. He wants Councillor Farkas to withdraw his comment. Carra says the passport is to get people who are reluctant to get vaccinated. #YYC #YYCcc @GlobalCalgary

"Wake up," Councillor @JeffDavisonYYC says. He says businesses are asking for this. He says he is tired of seeing the abuse people are taking over this issue. #YYC #YYCcc @GlobalCalgary

Councillor @JeffDavisonYYC says where we are is a result of the 20% of people who won't get a shot. He says adults who aren't getting vaccinated are not doing their part to protect kids who aren't eligible to get the shot. #YYC #YYCcc @GlobalCalgary

Councillor @BigRedyyc says she is supporting this bylaw to help folks who are trying to make a living. #YYC #YYCcc @GlobalCalgary

Councillor @BigRedyyc is urging people to get vaccinated. She says bylaws and dereliction of duty won't end this situation. #YYC #YYCcc @GlobalCalgary

Nenshi says Calgarians can call 311 for more information about the mobile vaccination clinic. #YYC #YYCcc @GlobalCalgary

Councillor @Ward4Ward1 says the provincial system has put undue stress on businesses. He says there was no info available to them. Sutherland says this is about giving those businesses clarity. #YYC #YYCcc @GlobalCalgary

Sutherland adds he will be supporting this bylaw. #YYC #YYCcc @GlobalCalgary

BREAKING: Calgary city council passes the vaccine passport bylaw, making proof-of-vaccination mandatory for all businesses/facilities within the scope of the provincial program. Only Councillor Farkas is opposed. #YYC #YYCcc @GlobalCalgary