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Fully vaccinated Albertans now have a chance to win a lifetime sport fishing or hunting licence or a special harvest hunting licence tag for game such as such as bighorn sheep, trophy pronghorn, elk or turkey in the latest round of incentives to get people vaccinated against COVID-19.
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Dubbed the Outdoor Adventure Vaccine Lottery, this lottery announced Wednesday is separate from the vaccine lottery the government has been running since last month to encourage vaccinations.
“Due to the unique nature of these prizes, Albertans will be required to register separately for their chance to win. Anyone who already registered for the Open for Summer Lottery will need to register again specifically for the Outdoor Adventure Vaccine Lottery if they want to win these prizes,” a government press release Wednesday said.
“Winners are expected to be announced on Sept. 17.”
Other prizes for this lottery include one of five passes for three consecutive night stays in the Alberta Parks system, one of 10 Canmore Nordic Centre season ski passes, or one of 10 annual Kananaskis Conservation Passes
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“Getting vaccinated is the best way to ensure that Alberta is open for summer and I encourage all Albertans to do their part,” Environment and Parks Minister Jason Nixon said in the press release.
“Alberta is a premier destination for outdoor activities like camping, hiking, hunting or fishing and this opportunity is one of the many ways to enjoy our beautiful backyard this summer with ease.”
The NDP Opposition is criticizing the government for offering the Kananaskis passes. A fee to camp in the area was imposed by the government last month.
“It isn’t a ‘prize’ if Albertans are winning something they should always have access to in the first place. Peter Lougheed would be appalled,” said NDP environment critic Marlin Schmidt in a statement.
To enter the Outdoor Adventure Vaccine Lottery, Albertans have to opt in by registering at alberta.ca/outdoorlottery. The deadline to register is Sept 10. Any Albertan 18 or older who can prove that they have had both doses of a COVID-19 vaccine is eligible.
The winners of the various licences will have to also meet all the legal requirements to obtain a licence
To date, 74.2 per cent of eligible Albertans have received their first dose of vaccine and 55.9 per cent are fully protected with two doses, according to the government.
