Alberta residents 18 and older with at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine can be registered to win one of three, $1 million rewards.
The announcement was made Sunday, with more details released on Monday. Entries for the lottery can be made at alberta.ca/lottery, and registration for the first draw will be closed one week after Alberta reaches the 70 per cent threshold. Only one entry is needed for all three lotteries, and eligibility for the winner of each draw will be based on first or second dose requirements.
Proof of vaccination is not required to enter, and will only be needed when and if an individual wins one of the three draws. Proof of vaccination can be shown via the paper record given after your vaccine, or through MyHealth Records, which now has a mobile app.
“This lottery will help us cross that 70 per cent threshold so we can reopen and stay open,” said Alberta Premier Jason Kenney, in a prepared media release.
“We just need one final push so we can lift them all and get back to normal. If you’ve been waiting to book or you’ve been looking for a reason to get the shot, here it is.”
The goal is to get to 70 per cent of Albertan that have received a first dose. Right now the province said they are at 68.7 per cent of eligible Albertans. There are also over 20 per cent that are fully vaccinated, with two doses.
Prizes will be staggered throughout the summer
The first winner of the $1 million prize will be drawn when the Stage 3 process begins. That’s two weeks after Alberta surpasses 70 per cent with first dose.
The second draw will be held on August 31 and will be available for Alberta residents aged 18 and older who are fully vaccinated with both doses. All Albertans who have a second dose by August 24 will be eligible.
The final winner will be drawn near the end of September. This draw is also open to anyone living in Alberta who is 18 or older with both doses by September 23.
Concerns were raised around the possibility of someone winning a draw and only then getting a vaccine to claim the prize. Kenney says the eligibility cut off for each draw is about a week before the winner is chosen, but was unsure if someone only being vaccinated after they’re drawn would be allowed.
As of June 12, 64,535 appointments had been booked for first doses in the next week. According to the province, Alberta is on track to hit 70 per cent by June 18.
The Premiere was asked about the possibility of reducing the lottery prize to 1000 draws for prizes of $1000 as a way to broaden the appeal for the public.
“We did consult lottery experts and this is what they recommended, the big prizes get more interest,” said the Premiere.
“This lottery is an investment in Albertans and our province’s economic future,” said Alberta Health Minister Tyler Shandro.
“I am confident that we will see that final upswing in vaccinations to take us across that finish line to widespread immunity.”
You can visit alberta.ca/vaccine to find available appointments with AHS or participating pharmacies across the province. Select locations are offering walk-in clinics for first doses, the province said.
