Town of Essex defers discussions on mandatory vaccination policy
The Town of Essex has deferred discussions about a mandatory vaccination policy to a later date.
“I understand that everyone else is doing it. It doesn’t mean that if everybody else lines up to jump off a cliff, we do too,” councillor Sherry Bondy said
Town administration presented a plan to council that would see unvaccinated workers go on unpaid leave and possibly, be terminated.
Council expressed concern over the draft mandatory policy — which can only be challenged for legitimate religious exemptions.
Council directed the town to gather more feedback from the public and employees and will come back to council for reconsideration.
“It doesn’t sit well with me,” Coun. Joe Garron said. “Again, I’m not against asking people to follow the science and get double vaccinated. And I believe in that and I still believe it needs to be their choice. Let’s keep doing what we’re doing. Let’s keep the policies we have in place.”
At least three councilors expressed concern Monday over the wording of the proposed policy.
“It’s dishonest politics to claim that our employees have a choice, when the choice is submit to our will, or lose a pay check. That’s not a choice,” Coun. Chris Vander Doelen said.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
What to know about avian influenza in dairy cows and the risk to humans
Why is H5N1, or bird flu, a concern, how does it spread, and is there a vaccine? Here are the answers to some frequently asked questions about avian influenza.
'I was scared': Ontario man's car repossessed after missing two repair loan payments
An Ontario man who took out a loan to pay for auto repairs said his car was repossessed after he missed two payments.
opinion The special relationship between King Charles and the Princess of Wales
Royal commentator Afua Hagan writes that when King Charles recently admitted Catherine to the Order of the Companions of Honour, it not only made history, but it reinforced the strong bond between the King and his beloved daughter-in-law.
New Norad commander calls Canada's defence policy update 'very encouraging'
American troops will be spending more time training in the Far North, the new commander of Norad says, a strategy that fits 'hand-in-glove' with Canada's renewed focus on Arctic defence.
$70M Lotto Max winners kept prize a secret from family for 2 months
During a special winner celebration near their hometown, Doug and Enid shared the story of how they discovered they were holding a Lotto Max ticket worth $70 million and how they kept this huge secret for so long.
Are Canadians getting sick from expired food?
A new survey by Dalhousie University's Agri-Food Analytics Lab asked Canadians about their food consumption habits amid rising prices.
Documents reveal Ottawa's efforts to get Loblaw, Walmart on board with grocery code
It was evident to the federal government as early as last fall that Loblaw and Walmart might be holdouts to the grocery code of conduct, jeopardizing the project's success.
Charlie Woods, son of Tiger, shoots 81 in U.S. Open qualifier
Charlie Woods failed to advance in a U.S. Open local qualifying event Thursday, shooting a 9-over 81 at Legacy Golf & Tennis Club.
Improve balance and build core strength with this exercise
When it comes to cardiovascular fitness, you may tend to focus on activities that move you forward, such as walking, running and cycling.