Winners of Manitoba’s COVID-19 vaccine lottery will have to agree to go public

WINNIPEG — The winners of Manitoba’s COVID-19 vaccine lottery will have to agree to have their names publicized in order to collect their prizes.

Manny Atwal, president of Manitoba Liquor and Lotteries, says the Crown corporation is following standard practice for lotteries by requiring that winners agree to take part in publicity.

Atwal says he has received legal advice, but could not comment specifically on how the lottery will fit under the provincial law that protects personal health information.

Manitoba has previously announced the lottery will include several grand prizes of $100,000 in two draws.

One will be held in early August and the other in early September.

Anyone who receives a COVID-19 vaccine on or before Aug. 2 is automatically entered in the lottery.

The government says more than 76 per cent of Manitobans received their first shot already.

“We are close to achieving all of our vaccination milestones,” said Premier Brian Pallister in a release. “Now we just need that extra effort by every Manitoban not yet vaccinated to roll up their sleeve and push us across the finish line so we can safely reopen, fully.”

The Opposition New Democrats said the publicity requirement is concerning.

“Manitobans should not have to waive their right to privacy to qualify for a government program,” NDP lotteries critic Adrien Sala said.

WATCH: Vaccine lottery kicks off in Manitoba to speed up vaccinations (June 9, 2021)