EDMONTON, AB – The Canadian Union of Public Employees Alberta Division (CUPE Alberta) has launched a website and advertising campaign asking the province’s conservative government to “Axe the tax” on COVID vaccines.
CUPE has launched a website at www.axethevaxtax.ca, which allows Albertans to send a letter to Premier Danielle Smith, NDP leader Naheed Nenshi, and their local MLA protesting the $100 fee charged to Albertans getting a COVID vaccination. CUPE is also advertising on social media and other platforms.
CUPE Alberta President Raj Uppal says the vax tax is putting CUPE members who work in schools, hospitals and public areas in danger.
“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. Danielle Smith and the UCP need to axe the vax tax.”