The Canadian province of Quebec will charge a health tax to residents who are not vaccinated against Covid-19.

The Canadian province of Quebec will charge a health tax to residents who are not vaccinated against Covid-19. Quebec, which has seen the highest number of Covid-related deaths in Canada, is currently struggling with a surge in cases. On Tuesday, the premier announced that it would be the first in the nation to financially penalize the unvaccinated. Only about 15% of Quebec residents are not vaccinated, but they make up about half of all hospital cases.

According to federal data, just over 84% of Quebec residents had received at least one vaccine dose by 1 January. Premier Francois Legault said during a news conference that people who have not received their first dose of vaccine will have to pay a contribution.