To encourage individuals to obtain their COVID-19 immunisation, Alberta is providing $3 million in lottery winnings.

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Kirti Pathak
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Alberta

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Alberta is providing $3 million in cash to encourage more individuals to get vaccinated against COVID-19. Premier Jason Kenney announced the commencement of the "Open for Summer" vaccine lottery on Saturday. Albertans aged 18 and above who have received at least one dose will be eligible for one of three $1 million prizes.

Kenney commended Albertans who had already received at least their first dose of COVID-19 vaccination for assisting the government in overcoming the spring COVID-19 increase. However, demand for the vaccination has dwindled, according to Kenney in a video shared to Twitter and shot at an empty rapid-flow immunization facility in Edmonton Expo Center.

"Many places around the world have introduced similar lotteries like this because we just need to prod individuals who haven't gotten their vaccines yet," Kenney said. The lottery will "pay for itself" if more people are vaccinated, according to Kenney, citing billions of dollars spent on health care and support over the past 16 months owing to the pandemic.

The lottery's first draw will take place on the day Alberta completes Stage 3 of its reopening plan, according to Kenney. The province went into Stage 2 of its reopening plan on Thursday, bringing it one step closer to a summer free of restrictions. Stage 3 would start two weeks after 70% of eligible Albertans have received at least one dose of vaccination.

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