'It will help us finish the fight against COVID-19 and help us sustain a strong and stable economic recovery'
The federal government will soon make COVID-19 vaccination mandatory in all federally regulated workplaces.
Mandatory vaccination requirements are already in place for the public sector, employees working in the federally regulated air, rail, and marine transportation sectors, and travellers on these modes of transportation.
The new regulations would ensure that employees in all other federally regulated industries, such as road transportation, telecommunications and banking, are also vaccinated
“Canada has led the world on vaccination rates, thanks to Canadians, their belief in science, and their willingness to roll up their sleeves,” says Seamus O'Regan Jr., minister of labour. “Making vaccination mandatory across all federally regulated workplaces will protect workers, their families, and their communities. It will help us finish the fight against COVID-19 and help us sustain a strong and stable economic recovery."
Employers that do not comply with their obligations under the Canada Labour Code may be subject to compliance and enforcement measures, including administrative monetary penalties.
Canadian HR Reporter recently spoke with experts about some of the practical considerations for employers in implementing a mandatory vaccination policy, along with how to handle potentially sensitive employee medical information.
In looking to make the changes to the Canada Labour Code, Ottawa will consult with key stakeholders, including representatives of small and medium-sized employers, as it works to finalize the new regulations, which would come into force in early 2022.
There are about 18,500 employers in federally regulated industries, including federal Crown corporations, which together employ 955,000 people – about six of all employees in Canada.
