City revised vaccination policy
Effective April 8th, 2022 by the order of Provincial Health officer Bonnie Henry British Columbians don’t need the “vaccine passport” to access non-essential events, services and businesses, and also the requirement for students residing in residence to be fully vaccinated under the Post-secondary Institution Housing COVID-19 Preventative Measures Order was repealed.
Photo source: Ed White
Result of this, the council of Salmon Arm revised the mandatory vaccination policy, which they brought back to November 15 for all employees, elected officials, volunteers, and later in December for contractors. By vaccination policy, that council brought in unanimously vote and went to effect on January 3, 2022 staff without “vaccination’ against Covid-19, was released from work on unpaid leave. The newly revised policy went into effect on April 18, 2022, when employees on unpaid leave returned to work, but for new potential employees requirement be fully vaccinated remained. Council also decided that the mandatory vaccination policy can reinstate at any time, following all future orders of the Provincial Health Officer.
The Board of the Columbia Shuswap Regional District (CSRD) implemented a vaccination policy for the organization in a unanimously vote on Thursday, November 18 Board Meeting. As a result of this decision, CSRD lost 47 paid on calls firefighters. While a council of the City of Salmon Arm revised the vaccination policy after April 8, the Board of directors of CSRD determined that they will not change the mandate for the organization.
The Chief executive officer of CSRD Charles Hamilton received Bill S- 201, known as the Genetic Non- Discrimination Act. By that Act, a genetic test in relation to an employee, means a test that analyzes the employee’s DNA, RNA, or chromosomes for purposes such as the prediction of disease or vertical transmission risks, or monitoring, diagnosis or prognosis, and every employee is entitled not to undergo or be required to undergo a genetic test, and is, entitled not to disclose or be required to disclose the results of a genetic test.
“After a review of Bill S- 201, the CSRD has determined that Bill S-201 (Genetic Non-Discrimination Act) has no application to the CSRD as it relates to CSRD COVID-19 policies, procedures, and protocols. As an employer, WorkSafeBC has legislation that passes responsibility to the CSRD to provide a safe and healthy workplace. Part of our health and safety program includes measures such as vaccination requirements and physical distancing to protect employees, elected officials, and the public from hazards of COVID-19″, responded Keri Wirth Human Resources Advisor.
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