Vaccination Round-Up – April 8, 2022

VACCINES IN THE WORKPLACE – WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW THIS WEEK

With BC exceeding its vaccination targets, regulations lifting and the reintegration of employees to the workplace on the horizon, employers are now faced with trying to navigate the changing dynamic of vaccines and the workplace. We anticipate that changes to legislation could happen on short notice and have created this RoundUp to help employers stay informed in a situation that is so rapidly evolving.

Here are a few important things I thought worth sharing this week:

IN THE NEWS

Canada

• Ottawa’s vaccine mandate for federal workers is under review, new policy expected to be announced soon – National Post – April 4, 2022 – read the article here.
• Revised vaccine policy for federal workers could include mandatory booster shots, officials say – CBC – April 4, 2022 – read the article here.

British Columbia

• BC’s ‘vaccine card’ officially ends April 8, but businesses may choose to continue to require proof of vaccination – Global News – April 4, 2022 – read the article here.
• Labour arbitrator rules termination of unvaccinated health care worker was reasonable – CBC – April 7, 2022 – read the article here.
• Following mediation, the City of Richmond agreed to provide backpay to 36 unvaccinated staff – Richmond News – April 1, 2022 – read the article here.
• BC College of Physicians and Surgeons suspends doctor for allegedly promoting COVID-19 misinformation – CBC – March 28, 2022 – read the article here.

Alberta

• Alberta’s Chief Medical Officer testifies in civil trial, defends provincial response to COVID-19 – Global News – April 4, 2022 – read the article here.

Ontario

• Privacy Commissioner says University of Guelph’s proof of vaccination policy did not violate student privacy – Global News – April 6, 2022 – read the article here.

New Brunswick

• More unvaccinated workers to return to work April 11 as New Brunswick lifts vaccine mandate for staff in ‘vulnerable sectors’ – Global News – April 2, 2022 – read the article here.
• New Brunswick Collage of Physicians and Surgeons reinstates unvaccinated doctors, says they ‘couldn’t justify’ suspension with government vaccine mandates lifting – CBC – April 6, 2022 – read the article here.

I hope you found this Round-Up helpful. If you have any questions relating to the reopening of your business or reintegration of your staff – our Workplace Law group is here to assist.