Federal and Provincial Vaccination Policies and Human Rights in Canada
Several federal and provincial communications recently were published on the government and human rights websites of respective provinces. The situation as regards COVID-19 has evolved and, with the reopening of offices, it is important to be informed of your rights as a worker in your environment and of the regulations as they may pertain to you and your office.
This article will be updated when we have more details regarding outstanding information.
FEDERAL
On October 6th, the Government issued a policy requiring all federal public service workers to be fully vaccinated. ‘Core’ federal public servants will have to attest to being fully vaccinated against COVID-19 by Oct. 29 or face being put on leave without pay by November 15.
Effective date: October 29, 2021
For the Federal Government’s communication:
[fusion_button link=”https://www.tbs-sct.gc.ca/pol/doc-eng.aspx?id=32694″ text_transform=”” title=”” target=”_self” link_attributes=”” alignment=”” modal=”” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” class=”” id=”” color=”default” button_gradient_top_color=”” button_gradient_bottom_color=”” button_gradient_top_color_hover=”” button_gradient_bottom_color_hover=”” accent_color=”” accent_hover_color=”” type=”” bevel_color=”” border_width=”” border_radius=”” border_color=”” border_hover_color=”” size=”” stretch=”default” icon=”” icon_position=”left” icon_divider=”no” animation_type=”” animation_direction=”left” animation_speed=”0.3″ animation_offset=””]CLICK HERE[/fusion_button]
For PSAC communication:
[fusion_button link=”http://psacunion.ca/federal-government-releases-vaccination-policy” text_transform=”” title=”” target=”_self” link_attributes=”” alignment=”” modal=”” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” class=”” id=”” color=”default” button_gradient_top_color=”” button_gradient_bottom_color=”” button_gradient_top_color_hover=”” button_gradient_bottom_color_hover=”” accent_color=”” accent_hover_color=”” type=”” bevel_color=”” border_width=”” border_radius=”” border_color=”” border_hover_color=”” size=”” stretch=”default” icon=”” icon_position=”left” icon_divider=”no” animation_type=”” animation_direction=”left” animation_speed=”0.3″ animation_offset=””]CLICK HERE[/fusion_button]
For PSAC FAQs:
[fusion_button link=”http://psacunion.ca/your-rights-work-vaccinations-and-covid-19-updated” text_transform=”” title=”” target=”_self” link_attributes=”” alignment=”” modal=”” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” class=”” id=”” color=”default” button_gradient_top_color=”” button_gradient_bottom_color=”” button_gradient_top_color_hover=”” button_gradient_bottom_color_hover=”” accent_color=”” accent_hover_color=”” type=”” bevel_color=”” border_width=”” border_radius=”” border_color=”” border_hover_color=”” size=”” stretch=”default” icon=”” icon_position=”left” icon_divider=”no” animation_type=”” animation_direction=”left” animation_speed=”0.3″ animation_offset=””]CLICK HERE[/fusion_button]
PROVINCIAL
Ontario
All businesses and organizations designated in the Instructions as “covered organizations” of the Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services are mandated to implement and enforce a COVID-19 vaccination policy requiring employees, staff, contractors, volunteers, students, and those providing services under an education partnership program with community facilities to be vaccinated. No effective date for this policy has been set.
Employees, staff, contractors, students, hospital volunteers and community and home care providers, as well as ambulance first responders, must provide proof of full vaccination, a medical exemptiion, or completion of a COVID-19 vaccination training session.
Effective date: September 2021 for certain areas
For the Human Rights Commission’s communication:
[fusion_button link=”http://www.ohrc.on.ca/en/news_centre/ohrc-policy-statement-covid-19-vaccine-mandates-and-proof-vaccine-certificates” text_transform=”” title=”” target=”_self” link_attributes=”” alignment=”” modal=”” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” class=”” id=”” color=”default” button_gradient_top_color=”” button_gradient_bottom_color=”” button_gradient_top_color_hover=”” button_gradient_bottom_color_hover=”” accent_color=”” accent_hover_color=”” type=”” bevel_color=”” border_width=”” border_radius=”” border_color=”” border_hover_color=”” size=”” stretch=”default” icon=”” icon_position=”left” icon_divider=”no” animation_type=”” animation_direction=”left” animation_speed=”0.3″ animation_offset=””]CLICK HERE[/fusion_button]
For the Ontario provincial government communication:
[fusion_button link=”https://www.ontario.ca/page/government-ontario” text_transform=”” title=”” target=”_self” link_attributes=”” alignment=”” modal=”” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” class=”” id=”” color=”default” button_gradient_top_color=”” button_gradient_bottom_color=”” button_gradient_top_color_hover=”” button_gradient_bottom_color_hover=”” accent_color=”” accent_hover_color=”” type=”” bevel_color=”” border_width=”” border_radius=”” border_color=”” border_hover_color=”” size=”” stretch=”default” icon=”” icon_position=”left” icon_divider=”no” animation_type=”” animation_direction=”left” animation_speed=”0.3″ animation_offset=””]CLICK HERE[/fusion_button]
British Columbia
British Columbia’s Human Rights Commissioner issues guidance on proof of vaccination requirements as the province enters Phase 3 of the COVID-19 reopening. Employers, landlords and service providers (duty bearers) may, in certain limited circumstances, implement vaccination status policies, but only if other less intrusive means of preventing COVID-19 transmission are inadequate for the setting and due consideration is given to the human rights of everyone involved. The BC Public Service Agency, in consultation with the provincial health officer, will require its 30,000 employees to be fully vaccinated by November 22, 2021.
Effective date: November 22, 2021
For the Human Rights Commission’s communication:
[fusion_button link=”https://bchumanrights.ca/news/b-c-s-human-rights-commissioner-issues-guidance-about-proof-of-vaccination-requirements/” text_transform=”” title=”” target=”_self” link_attributes=”” alignment=”” modal=”” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” class=”” id=”” color=”default” button_gradient_top_color=”” button_gradient_bottom_color=”” button_gradient_top_color_hover=”” button_gradient_bottom_color_hover=”” accent_color=”” accent_hover_color=”” type=”” bevel_color=”” border_width=”” border_radius=”” border_color=”” border_hover_color=”” size=”” stretch=”default” icon=”” icon_position=”left” icon_divider=”no” animation_type=”” animation_direction=”left” animation_speed=”0.3″ animation_offset=””]CLICK HERE[/fusion_button]
For the provincial government’s communication:
[fusion_button link=”https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/covid-19/info/response ” text_transform=”” title=”” target=”_self” link_attributes=”” alignment=”” modal=”” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” class=”” id=”” color=”default” button_gradient_top_color=”” button_gradient_bottom_color=”” button_gradient_top_color_hover=”” button_gradient_bottom_color_hover=”” accent_color=”” accent_hover_color=”” type=”” bevel_color=”” border_width=”” border_radius=”” border_color=”” border_hover_color=”” size=”” stretch=”default” icon=”” icon_position=”left” icon_divider=”no” animation_type=”” animation_direction=”left” animation_speed=”0.3″ animation_offset=””]CLICK HERE[/fusion_button]
Quebec
The complete list of affected professions has not yet been disclosed. The Commission is of the opinion that the imposition of vaccinations by the government on certain categories of employees in the health care network can be consistent with the Charter, by ensuring that the limitation of rights and freedoms respects the justification process established by the courts.
Effective date: unknown
For the communication from the Human Rights Commission:
[fusion_button link=”https://www.cdpdj.qc.ca/fr/actualites/presentation-vaccination-obligatoire-covid-19 ” text_transform=”” title=”” target=”_self” link_attributes=”” alignment=”” modal=”” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” class=”” id=”” color=”default” button_gradient_top_color=”” button_gradient_bottom_color=”” button_gradient_top_color_hover=”” button_gradient_bottom_color_hover=”” accent_color=”” accent_hover_color=”” type=”” bevel_color=”” border_width=”” border_radius=”” border_color=”” border_hover_color=”” size=”” stretch=”default” icon=”” icon_position=”left” icon_divider=”no” animation_type=”” animation_direction=”left” animation_speed=”0.3″ animation_offset=””]CLICK HERE[/fusion_button]
For the Human Rights Commission’s FAQs:
[fusion_button link=”https://cdpdj.qc.ca/fr/nos-services/outils-en-ligne/faq-covid-19-droits-de-la-personne ” text_transform=”” title=”” target=”_self” link_attributes=”” alignment=”” modal=”” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” class=”” id=”” color=”default” button_gradient_top_color=”” button_gradient_bottom_color=”” button_gradient_top_color_hover=”” button_gradient_bottom_color_hover=”” accent_color=”” accent_hover_color=”” type=”” bevel_color=”” border_width=”” border_radius=”” border_color=”” border_hover_color=”” size=”” stretch=”default” icon=”” icon_position=”left” icon_divider=”no” animation_type=”” animation_direction=”left” animation_speed=”0.3″ animation_offset=””]CLICK HERE[/fusion_button]
For the provincial government communication:
[fusion_button link=”https://www.quebec.ca/en/health/health-issues/a-z/2019-coronavirus ” text_transform=”” title=”” target=”_self” link_attributes=”” alignment=”” modal=”” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” class=”” id=”” color=”default” button_gradient_top_color=”” button_gradient_bottom_color=”” button_gradient_top_color_hover=”” button_gradient_bottom_color_hover=”” accent_color=”” accent_hover_color=”” type=”” bevel_color=”” border_width=”” border_radius=”” border_color=”” border_hover_color=”” size=”” stretch=”default” icon=”” icon_position=”left” icon_divider=”no” animation_type=”” animation_direction=”left” animation_speed=”0.3″ animation_offset=””]CLICK HERE[/fusion_button]
Nova Scotia
The Nova Scotia government recently announced that workers in various sectors must be vaccinated as of November 30, 2021.
Effective date: November 30, 2021
For the Human Rights Commission’s communication:
[fusion_button link=”https://humanrights.novascotia.ca/vaccines-workplace-and-other-public-spaces ” text_transform=”” title=”” target=”_self” link_attributes=”” alignment=”” modal=”” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” class=”” id=”” color=”default” button_gradient_top_color=”” button_gradient_bottom_color=”” button_gradient_top_color_hover=”” button_gradient_bottom_color_hover=”” accent_color=”” accent_hover_color=”” type=”” bevel_color=”” border_width=”” border_radius=”” border_color=”” border_hover_color=”” size=”” stretch=”default” icon=”” icon_position=”left” icon_divider=”no” animation_type=”” animation_direction=”left” animation_speed=”0.3″ animation_offset=””]CLICK HERE[/fusion_button]
For the provincial government’s communication:
[fusion_button link=”https://novascotia.ca/coronavirus/ ” text_transform=”” title=”” target=”_self” link_attributes=”” alignment=”” modal=”” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” class=”” id=”” color=”default” button_gradient_top_color=”” button_gradient_bottom_color=”” button_gradient_top_color_hover=”” button_gradient_bottom_color_hover=”” accent_color=”” accent_hover_color=”” type=”” bevel_color=”” border_width=”” border_radius=”” border_color=”” border_hover_color=”” size=”” stretch=”default” icon=”” icon_position=”left” icon_divider=”no” animation_type=”” animation_direction=”left” animation_speed=”0.3″ animation_offset=””]CLICK HERE[/fusion_button]
Alberta
According to the Alberta Human Rights Commission website, the Alberta Government has stated that vaccination against COVID-19 will not be mandatory. Some employers, service providers or landlords may question whether they can require their employees, service recipients or tenants to be vaccinated.
Effective date: none
For the Human Rights Commission’s communication:
[fusion_button link=”https://www.albertahumanrights.ab.ca/covid/Pages/vaccines.aspx” text_transform=”” title=”” target=”_self” link_attributes=”” alignment=”” modal=”” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” class=”” id=”” color=”default” button_gradient_top_color=”” button_gradient_bottom_color=”” button_gradient_top_color_hover=”” button_gradient_bottom_color_hover=”” accent_color=”” accent_hover_color=”” type=”” bevel_color=”” border_width=”” border_radius=”” border_color=”” border_hover_color=”” size=”” stretch=”default” icon=”” icon_position=”left” icon_divider=”no” animation_type=”” animation_direction=”left” animation_speed=”0.3″ animation_offset=””]CLICK HERE[/fusion_button]
For the provincial government communication:
[fusion_button link=”https://www.alberta.ca/coronavirus-info-for-albertans.aspx ” text_transform=”” title=”” target=”_self” link_attributes=”” alignment=”” modal=”” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” class=”” id=”” color=”default” button_gradient_top_color=”” button_gradient_bottom_color=”” button_gradient_top_color_hover=”” button_gradient_bottom_color_hover=”” accent_color=”” accent_hover_color=”” type=”” bevel_color=”” border_width=”” border_radius=”” border_color=”” border_hover_color=”” size=”” stretch=”default” icon=”” icon_position=”left” icon_divider=”no” animation_type=”” animation_direction=”left” animation_speed=”0.3″ animation_offset=””]CLICK HERE[/fusion_button]
Prince Edward Island
According to the Prince Edward Island Human Rights Commission, each case is unique and requires taking into account the specifics of each case. A news release was issued in August 2021 regarding information on employment-related mandatory vaccines. An employer can justify the use of a mandatory vaccination policy and, as such, can request proof of vaccination.
Effective date: August 2021
For the Human Rights Commission’s communication:
[fusion_button link=”https://www.peihumanrights.ca/sites/www.peihumanrights.ca/files/Mandatory%20Vaccine_ENG.pdf ” text_transform=”” title=”” target=”_self” link_attributes=”” alignment=”” modal=”” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” class=”” id=”” color=”default” button_gradient_top_color=”” button_gradient_bottom_color=”” button_gradient_top_color_hover=”” button_gradient_bottom_color_hover=”” accent_color=”” accent_hover_color=”” type=”” bevel_color=”” border_width=”” border_radius=”” border_color=”” border_hover_color=”” size=”” stretch=”default” icon=”” icon_position=”left” icon_divider=”no” animation_type=”” animation_direction=”left” animation_speed=”0.3″ animation_offset=””]CLICK HERE[/fusion_button]
For the provincial government communication:
[fusion_button link=”https://www.princeedwardisland.ca/en/covid19 ” text_transform=”” title=”” target=”_self” link_attributes=”” alignment=”” modal=”” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” class=”” id=”” color=”default” button_gradient_top_color=”” button_gradient_bottom_color=”” button_gradient_top_color_hover=”” button_gradient_bottom_color_hover=”” accent_color=”” accent_hover_color=”” type=”” bevel_color=”” border_width=”” border_radius=”” border_color=”” border_hover_color=”” size=”” stretch=”default” icon=”” icon_position=”left” icon_divider=”no” animation_type=”” animation_direction=”left” animation_speed=”0.3″ animation_offset=””]CLICK HERE[/fusion_button]
Manitoba
Effective October 18, 2021, proof of vaccination must be provided by any person designated to report to their workplace. If proof of vaccination is not provided, the person must undergo a routine rapid COVID-19 test.
Effective September 3, 2021, a provincial requirement is in effect for proof of vaccination if participating in certain events and activities.
Effective date: October 18, 2021
For the Human Rights Commission’s communication:
[fusion_button link=”http://www.manitobahumanrights.ca/v1/news-events/pubs/media-releases/sept3_2021_fraudulentstatements.pdf ” text_transform=”” title=”” target=”_self” link_attributes=”” alignment=”” modal=”” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” class=”” id=”” color=”default” button_gradient_top_color=”” button_gradient_bottom_color=”” button_gradient_top_color_hover=”” button_gradient_bottom_color_hover=”” accent_color=”” accent_hover_color=”” type=”” bevel_color=”” border_width=”” border_radius=”” border_color=”” border_hover_color=”” size=”” stretch=”default” icon=”” icon_position=”left” icon_divider=”no” animation_type=”” animation_direction=”left” animation_speed=”0.3″ animation_offset=””]CLICK HERE[/fusion_button]
For the provincial government communication:
[fusion_button link=”https://news.gov.mb.ca/news/?archive=&item=52278 ” text_transform=”” title=”” target=”_self” link_attributes=”” alignment=”” modal=”” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” class=”” id=”” color=”default” button_gradient_top_color=”” button_gradient_bottom_color=”” button_gradient_top_color_hover=”” button_gradient_bottom_color_hover=”” accent_color=”” accent_hover_color=”” type=”” bevel_color=”” border_width=”” border_radius=”” border_color=”” border_hover_color=”” size=”” stretch=”default” icon=”” icon_position=”left” icon_divider=”no” animation_type=”” animation_direction=”left” animation_speed=”0.3″ animation_offset=””]CLICK HERE[/fusion_button]
New Brunswick
The New Brunswick Human Rights Act (the Act) does not prevent employers from requiring employees to be vaccinated. The employer can request documentation showing that the employee is exempt from the vaccination requirement for reasons related to protected lands, and the employee must provide it.
Effective date: October 21, 2021
For the Human Rights Commission’s communication:
[fusion_button link=”https://www2.gnb.ca/content/dam/gnb/Departments/hrc-cdp/PDF/faq-covid-19-vaccinations.pdf” text_transform=”” title=”” target=”_self” link_attributes=”” alignment=”” modal=”” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” class=”” id=”” color=”default” button_gradient_top_color=”” button_gradient_bottom_color=”” button_gradient_top_color_hover=”” button_gradient_bottom_color_hover=”” accent_color=”” accent_hover_color=”” type=”” bevel_color=”” border_width=”” border_radius=”” border_color=”” border_hover_color=”” size=”” stretch=”default” icon=”” icon_position=”left” icon_divider=”no” animation_type=”” animation_direction=”left” animation_speed=”0.3″ animation_offset=””]CLICK HERE[/fusion_button]
For the provincial government communication:
[fusion_button link=”https://www2.gnb.ca/content/gnb/fr/corporate/promo/covid-19.html ” text_transform=”” title=”” target=”_self” link_attributes=”” alignment=”” modal=”” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” class=”” id=”” color=”default” button_gradient_top_color=”” button_gradient_bottom_color=”” button_gradient_top_color_hover=”” button_gradient_bottom_color_hover=”” accent_color=”” accent_hover_color=”” type=”” bevel_color=”” border_width=”” border_radius=”” border_color=”” border_hover_color=”” size=”” stretch=”default” icon=”” icon_position=”left” icon_divider=”no” animation_type=”” animation_direction=”left” animation_speed=”0.3″ animation_offset=””]CLICK HERE[/fusion_button]
Saskatchewan
Effective October 1, 2021, a proof of vaccination or negative test policy will be implemented for all employees of Saskatchewan government departments, crowns and agencies. Employers under the provincial government will be able to require proof of vaccination or negative testing for public access to a list of establishments, businesses and event venues that bring groups of people together.
Effective date: October 1, 2021
For the Human Rights Commission’s communication:
[fusion_button link=”https://saskatchewanhumanrights.ca/education-resources/information-sheets/covid-19-and-human-rights-for-employers/ ” text_transform=”” title=”” target=”_self” link_attributes=”” alignment=”” modal=”” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” class=”” id=”” color=”default” button_gradient_top_color=”” button_gradient_bottom_color=”” button_gradient_top_color_hover=”” button_gradient_bottom_color_hover=”” accent_color=”” accent_hover_color=”” type=”” bevel_color=”” border_width=”” border_radius=”” border_color=”” border_hover_color=”” size=”” stretch=”default” icon=”” icon_position=”left” icon_divider=”no” animation_type=”” animation_direction=”left” animation_speed=”0.3″ animation_offset=””]CLICK HERE[/fusion_button]
For the provincial government’s communication:
[fusion_button link=”https://www.saskatchewan.ca/covid19-measures#utm_campaign=q2_2015&utm_medium=short&utm_source=%2Fcovid19-measures ” text_transform=”” title=”” target=”_self” link_attributes=”” alignment=”” modal=”” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” class=”” id=”” color=”default” button_gradient_top_color=”” button_gradient_bottom_color=”” button_gradient_top_color_hover=”” button_gradient_bottom_color_hover=”” accent_color=”” accent_hover_color=”” type=”” bevel_color=”” border_width=”” border_radius=”” border_color=”” border_hover_color=”” size=”” stretch=”default” icon=”” icon_position=”left” icon_divider=”no” animation_type=”” animation_direction=”left” animation_speed=”0.3″ animation_offset=””]CLICK HERE[/fusion_button]
Newfoundland and Labrador
As of October 22, 2021, proof of vaccination is required if a person is employed by a company or institution with a mandatory vaccination requirement. All individuals, including staff, students and volunteers of these businesses and institutions listed must provide proof of vaccination. Individuals entering such a workplace have until December 1, 2021 to be fully vaccinated.
Effective date: December 1, 2021
For the Human Rights Commission’s communication:
[fusion_button link=”https://thinkhumanrights.ca/human-rights-and-covid-19-best-practices/” text_transform=”” title=”” target=”_self” link_attributes=”” alignment=”” modal=”” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” class=”” id=”” color=”default” button_gradient_top_color=”” button_gradient_bottom_color=”” button_gradient_top_color_hover=”” button_gradient_bottom_color_hover=”” accent_color=”” accent_hover_color=”” type=”” bevel_color=”” border_width=”” border_radius=”” border_color=”” border_hover_color=”” size=”” stretch=”default” icon=”” icon_position=”left” icon_divider=”no” animation_type=”” animation_direction=”left” animation_speed=”0.3″ animation_offset=””]CLICK HERE[/fusion_button]
For the provincial government’s communication:
[fusion_button link=”https://www.gov.nl.ca/covid-19/ ” text_transform=”” title=”” target=”_self” link_attributes=”” alignment=”” modal=”” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” class=”” id=”” color=”default” button_gradient_top_color=”” button_gradient_bottom_color=”” button_gradient_top_color_hover=”” button_gradient_bottom_color_hover=”” accent_color=”” accent_hover_color=”” type=”” bevel_color=”” border_width=”” border_radius=”” border_color=”” border_hover_color=”” size=”” stretch=”default” icon=”” icon_position=”left” icon_divider=”no” animation_type=”” animation_direction=”left” animation_speed=”0.3″ animation_offset=””]CLICK HERE[/fusion_button]