Greater Sudbury makes COVID-19 vaccines mandatory for city staff
Greater Sudbury has released its COVID-19 vaccination policy for employees.
In a news release Wednesday, the city said all employees are required to disclose their vaccination status by Sept. 30 and to be fully vaccinated with an accepted vaccine by Nov. 15.
"The policy applies to all city employees, volunteers, students and members of council," the release said.
Employees at Pioneer Manor have a separate policy in place. The policy will also apply to members of council committees when meetings move from virtual to in-person.
“Since this pandemic began more than 18 months ago, the city has followed all public health advice and implemented measures to protect the well-being of our employees and our community,” Greater Sudbury Mayor Brian Bigger is quoted as saying in the release.
“This policy is the next step in that approach, and aligns us with many other private- and public-sector organizations. We know that vaccination is our best defence against COVID-19, and it’s a vital step in protecting our employees, their loved ones and our community as a whole.”
Greater Sudbury will make "reasonable accommodation" for workers with a valid Human Rights Code-based exemption for medical or religious reasons, following application and approval with the appropriate documentation.
"Those employees will be required to undergo regular rapid antigen testing in order to protect other employees and ensure adequate infection and prevention control measures," the release said.
City workers who don't have an approved accommodation plan and are not fully vaccinated may request options for leave in accordance with current policies and collective bargaining agreements.
'Progressive discipline'
There is a provision for progressive discipline for employees who fail to comply with the requirements of the policy, the release added.
“With the ongoing concerns over the fourth wave and variants of concern, we continue to face unique and considerable risks associated with this unprecedented pandemic,” CAO Ed Archer said in the release.
“Similar to what is being done in many municipalities across Ontario, adopting this policy will allow employees and residents to enter our facilities knowing we are taking all reasonable steps to keep them safe and healthy. We have made, and will continue to make, decisions that support a safe workplace and protect everyone in this community.”
All city facilities continue to follow public health advice as it relates to additional health and safety measures, including wearing masks, self-screening, washing hands and physical distancing.
Beginning Sept. 22, the province will require Ontario residents to be fully vaccinated and provide proof of their vaccination status to access certain businesses and settings, including fitness/recreational facilities, sporting events, meeting and event spaces, restaurants, bars, casinos, cinemas and concerts.
"This will have an impact on some city facilities, and more details will be shared in the coming days as the province provides more detailed guidance on implementing this program," the city said.
For COVID-19 updates and information related to city services, click here.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Spectacular aurora light show to be seen across Canada Friday night
A rare and severe solar storm is expected to bring spectacular displays of the northern lights, also known as aurora borealis, across much of Canada and parts of the United States on Friday night.
Which Canadian cities have the highest and lowest grocery prices?
Where you live plays a big factor in what you pay at the grocery store. And while it's no secret the same item may have a different price depending on the store, city or province, we wanted to see just how big the differences are, and why.
McGill University seeks emergency injunction to dismantle pro-Palestinian encampment
McGill University has filed a request for an injunction to have the pro-Palestinian encampment removed from its campus.
Swarm of 20,000 bees gather around woman’s car west of Toronto
A swarm of roughly 20,000 bees gathered around a woman’s car in the parking lot of Burlington Centre.
U.S. says Israel's use of U.S. arms likely violated international law, but evidence is incomplete
The Biden administration said Israel's use of U.S.-provided weapons in Gaza likely violated international humanitarian law but wartime conditions prevented U.S. officials from determining that for certain in specific airstrikes.
Barron Trump declines to serve as an RNC delegate
Former U.S. President Donald Trump's youngest son, Barron Trump, has declined to serve as a delegate at this summer’s Republican National Convention, according to a senior Trump campaign adviser and a statement from Melania Trump's office.
Mother assaulted by stranger while breastfeeding baby in her car: Vancouver police
A person was arrested in East Vancouver Thursday after allegedly entering a car while a mother was breastfeeding her four-month-old boy.
'We have laws': Premier Smith says police action justified in Calgary
The actions, including the decision to use non-lethal force, to disperse pro-Palestinian protesters from the University of Calgary campus were justified, Alberta Premier Danielle Smith said Friday.
'State or state-sponsored actor' believed to be behind B.C. government hacks
The head of British Columbia’s civil service has revealed that a “state or state-sponsored actor” is behind multiple cyber-security incidents against provincial government networks.