Town of Oakville to consider employee vaccination policy
Published August 30, 2021 at 4:47 pm
Add the Town of Oakville to the list of municipalities contemplating an employee vaccination policy.
The Town announced Monday that it will be introducing a report outlining a COVID-19 mandatory vaccination policy for all town employees and members of Council at a Special Council meeting on Monday, September 13 at 4:30 p.m.
While Oakville Mayor Rob Burton says he’s ready to do what he can to ensure the town is safe, he’s still believes the province mandating a vaccination passport would be the best way forward.
“A fourth wave of COVID-19 fueled by the Delta variant is at our doorstep. We know getting vaccinated is our most effective tool against severe illness and hospitalization,” Burton said. “Town staff is actively engaged in preparing policies for Council’s consideration and developing a plan to keep our town, employees and residents safe. We are encouraged to hear the Ford government may be exploring the concept of a vaccination certification system.
“While we are ready to consider a town policy that applies to members of the public entering our facilities, a provincial mandated approach would be the most effective tool to protect our community.”
The policy will require all Town staff and Council members provide proof of full vaccination with limited exceptions.
This is in alignment with recommendations from Halton Region’s Medical Officer Health, Dr. Meghani, that all local employers address the need for a workplace vaccination policy to protect their workers and the public from COVID-19.
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Staff who are not fully vaccinated will be given “reasonable time” to do so, while those not vaccinated will be required to take Rapid Antigen Testing prior to entry into the workplace.
As an employer, the Town of Oakville says it has an obligation under Ontario law to take all necessary precautions to protect its workers.
It also says it will comply with its obligation under the Ontario Human Rights Code and privacy legislation.
At the Special Meeting, Town staff will be also be presenting Council with policy options which would require all members of the public who enter its facilities to be fully vaccinated.
“The health and safety of our employees and members of the public remains the town’s key priority and we’ve taken all necessary steps to ensure their safety throughout this pandemic,” said Jane Clohecy, Chief Administrative Officer. “It is time we actively look at mandated vaccination policies to ensure we are doing all we can to protect our employees, Members of Council, and the community we serve.”
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