CUPE Alberta launches online campaign against province’s COVID-19 vaccine fee

FILE: A healthcare worker prepares a shot of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine on Tuesday, Jan. 7, 2025. (AP Photo/Juan Karita)

The Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) Alberta has launched an online campaign against the province’s $100 fee for Albertans who want to get a COVID-19 vaccination.

A new website calls on the province to “axe the vax tax.”

The website calls the fee unfair, reckless and dangerous, and allows Albertans to write a letter to Premier Danielle Smith, Alberta NDP Leader Naheed Nenshi and their local MLAs protesting the province’s decision to charge Albertans $100 for a COVID vaccine this year.

CUPE Alberta president Raj Uppal says charging for a COVID vaccine puts CUPE members who work in schools, hospitals and public areas at risk.

“Charging a $100 vax tax means more people will get sick, and our members, even those who get vaccinated, will be exposed to the virus more frequently,” said Uppal. “In almost every other part of Canada, residents can get the vaccination for free. Why do Albertans have to pay?

“Albertans shouldn’t have to choose between being healthy and shelling out $100 for every family member,” she added. “Danielle Smith and the UCP need to axe the vax tax.”