'You're already winning': Sask. premier says province doesn't need a vaccine lottery
Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe says the province won’t be using additional incentives to entice residents to get their COVID-19 vaccine.
Moe was asked during the province’s COVID-19 update Tuesday if the government would hold a vaccine lottery or giveaway to encourage people to get the jab.
“In this part of the world, you're already winning by just getting vaccinated and having the opportunity to get vaccinated,” said Moe.
“We've already had nearly 700,000 very lucky winners in this province who went out and got their first shot. We did that without having a lottery and we still have plenty more vaccines left for anyone else that would make that choice.”
Alberta and Manitoba premiers have both announced vaccine lotteries aimed at boosting immunizations.
Manitoba will award nearly $2 million total in cash prizes and scholarships to vaccinated residents through multiple draws, while three $1-million prizes are up for grabs in Alberta.
Saskatchewan’s NDP has proposed a “Last Mile Lottery” to encourage vaccine uptake. The Opposition’s plan would include prizes like Saskatchewan Roughriders tickets, scholarships and a $25,000 lottery – which is about the cost admitting a COVID-19 patient into intensive care, according to the NDP.
Moe said the benefits of the shot should be enough incentive for residents to get their dose. According to the premier, 92 per cent of recent COVID-19 cases and 82 per cent of hospitalizations are people who are unvaccinated.
“You get to protect your family, your friends, your loved ones and everyone around you from this COVID virus,” said Moe. “If you like to gamble, then I would suggest you don't get your shot. The prize is not what you think it is.”
The province is currently focused on driving up first doses to hit its third vaccination target and reach the next step of reopening. The government and Saskatchewan Health Authority will host mobile clinics, walk-in and drive-thru clinics and school clinics throughout the province between June 16 and 21.
“Vaccines have never been more plentiful and never been more accessible in your community or close to you. Don't put it off any longer,” said Moe. “Let's go today, let's go this week and let's get our first shot.”
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
NEW Keeping these exotic pets is 'cruel' and 'dangerous,' Canadian animal advocates say
Canadian pet owners are finding companionship beyond dogs and cats. Tigers, alligators, scorpions and tarantulas are among some of the exotic pets they are keeping in private homes, which pose risks to public safety and animal welfare, advocates say.
NEW Life got in the way of one woman's reunion with her father, but a DNA test gained her a family
Anne Marie Cavner was the closest she'd ever been to meeting her biological father, but then life dealt her a blow. From an unexpected loss to a host of new relationships, a DNA test changed her life, and she doesn't regret a thing.
Doctors ask Liberal government to reconsider capital gains tax change
The Canadian Medical Association is asking the federal government to reconsider its proposed changes to capital gains taxation, arguing it will affect doctors' retirement savings.
Quebec farmers have been protesting since December. Is anyone listening?
Upset about high interest rates, growing paperwork and heavy regulatory burdens, protesting farmers have become a familiar sight across Quebec since December.
'Catch-and-kill' strategy to be a focus as testimony resumes in Trump hush money case
A veteran tabloid publisher was expected to return to the witness stand Tuesday in Donald Trump's historic hush money trial.
Quebec Health Department reports 28 cases of eye damage linked to solar eclipse
Quebec's Health Department says it has received 28 reports of eye damage related to the April 8 total solar eclipse that passed over southern parts of the province.
Psychologist becomes first person in Peru to die by euthanasia after fighting in court for years
A Peruvian psychologist who suffered from an incurable disease that weakened her muscles and had her confined to her bed for several years, died by euthanasia, her lawyer said Monday, becoming the first person in the country to obtain the right to die with medical assistance.
Diver pinned under water by an alligator figured he had choice. Lose his arm or lose his life
An alligator attacked a diver on April 15 as he surfaced from his dive, nearly out of air. His tank emptied with the gator's jaws crushing the arm he put up in defence.
How quietly promised law changes in the 2024 federal budget could impact your day-to-day life
The 2024 federal budget released last week includes numerous big spending promises that have garnered headlines. But, tucked into the 416-page document are also series of smaller items, such as promising to amend the law regarding infant formula and to force banks to label government rebates, that you may have missed.