Enforcement of Quebec's vaccination passport system in full effect today. Here's what that means

The Quebec government is officially cracking down on enforcement of its vaccination passport, starting today. 

The passport — an electronic record of vaccination in the form of a quick response (QR) code — went into effect Sept. 1, barring people who aren't fully vaccinated against COVID-19 from a host of non-essential activities.

Today marks the end of the two-week grace period the province put in place for people and businesses to adapt. Although the system was in use, no penalties were imposed for non-compliance.

Here's what you can expect going forward. 

Starting today, businesses and patrons who refuse to use or comply with the vaccination passport system run the risk of being fined. 

People must present their VaxiCode app or a printed proof of adequate vaccination in order to gain entry into a long list of businesses and non-essential activities.

People who try to get into places requiring the vaccination passport without one risk receiving fines similar to those handed out over the course of the pandemic for violating other public health measures, which range from $1,000 to $6,000.