Oakville to consider employee vaccination policy

The Town of Oakville will be introducing a COVID-19 mandatory vaccination policy for all town employees and Members of Council. Town staff will present a report outlining the policy and recommendations for Council approval at a Special Council meeting on September 13 at 4:30 p.m.

Development of a policy aligns with the recent recommendation 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. 

The policy will require all town staff and Members of Council to provide proof of full vaccination with limited exceptions. It will give reasonable time for staff who are not yet fully vaccinated to do so. Rapid Antigen Testing for those town staff not yet vaccinated will be required prior to entry into the workplace. As an employer, the Town of Oakville has an obligation under Ontario law to take all necessary precautions to protect its workers. The town will comply with its obligation under the Ontario Human Rights Code and privacy legislation.

In addition, staff will be presenting, for Council’s consideration, policy options which would require all members of the public who enter our facilities to be fully vaccinated, further protecting our community.

Though you can still contract COVID-19 after being vaccinated, public health reports have demonstrated that vaccines provide a high level of protection against COVID-19 and its variants and reduce the risk of severe illness and hospitalization.

“A fourth wave of COVID-19 fuelled by the Delta variant is at our doorstep. We know getting vaccinated is our most effective tool against severe illness and hospitalization. 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.”

- Mayor Rob Burton

- Jane Clohecy, Chief Administrative Officer