By Alison Braley-Rattai, Assistant Professor, Labour Law, Brock University – The Conversation
This article was originally published on The Conversation, an independent and nonprofit source of news, analysis and commentary from academic experts. Disclosure information is available on the original site.
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The process of vaccinating Canadians against COVID-19 has begun. With the rise in vaccine hesitancy, and many refusing even to wear masks, people are wondering whether COVID-19 vaccination could be mandatory. It could, in particular contexts. One is the workplace, through employer policies. Another is through legislation. However, neither possibility is simple or straightforward.
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Workplace policies
Employers have many reasons to consider mandatory vaccination. One reason is their legal duty to take “every reasonable precaution” to create a safe working environment. While that duty compels some pandemic-related directives, there is disagreement about whether a vaccination policy is among them. Either way, any subsequent policy would be subject to certain considerations.