A vaccination passport system for Ontario is on the way after the Ford government refused the policy for months.

Word of the new system comes after Liberal Leader Justin Trudeau promised money for provinces to develop their own form of vaccine passport.

“So if your Premier mandates that everyone in your local restaurant or gym, or other non essential locations must be fully vaccinated and show proof, we’ll pay for the development and roll out of that program.”

And he had a message for Doug Ford.

“And I certainly hope that here in Ontario, Premier Ford steps up as well. It’s time for him to listen to public health officials and leaders like Bonnie Crombie and we’ll be ready when he does.”

The province is expected to send the plan to cabinet next week. It’s reportedly similar to vaccination certificate systems in Quebec and B.C.but it’s not clear if Ontario’s plan would allow for negative tests in lieu of vaccination.

While there’s no specific date for when it’s to go into effect, a senior government source says the goal’s to have it ready within weeks.

Doug Ford has responded to Trudeau’s comment.

In a statement, the Premier’s office says Ontario has put forward the most cautious reopening plan which includes some of the highest vaccination thresholds, masking and capacity limits. It goes on to say the province will continue to monitor the Delta variant and respond accordingly.

Meantime, the Ontario New Democrats are condemning the Ford government’s decision to end the vaccine distribution task force next Tuesday.

In a statement, the party says it’s extremely concerning that Doug Ford seems to think his job is done and is just crossing his fingers and hoping for the best as we face a fourth  wave.

The province says with over 75 per cent of eligible Ontarians fully vaccinated, the task force mandate comes to a close on August 31st.

It’s been four weeks since Doug Ford’s last news conference on July 30th.