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
NEW Toxic forever chemicals in drinking water: Is Canada doing enough?
As the United States sets its first national limits on toxic forever chemicals in drinking water, researchers say Canada is lagging when it comes to regulations.
Why drivers in Eastern Canada could see big gas price spikes, and other Canadians won't
Drivers in Eastern Canada face a big increase in gas prices because of various factors, especially the higher cost of the summer blend, industry analysts say.
Arrest made, manslaughter charge pending in 2022 death of Calgary toddler
Calgary police have arrested a man and a charge is pending in connection with the death of a toddler in 2022.
How to avoid the trap of becoming 'house poor'
The journey to home ownership can be exciting, but personal finance columnist Christopher Liew warns about the trappings of becoming 'house poor' -- where an overwhelming portion of your income is devoured by housing costs. Liew offers some practical strategies to maintain better financial health while owning a home.
'A living nightmare': Winnipeg woman sentenced following campaign of harassment against man after online date
A Winnipeg woman was sentenced to house arrest after a single date with a man she met online culminated in her harassing him for years, and spurred false allegations which resulted in the innocent man being arrested three times.
When new leaders took over in ancient Maya, they didn't just bury the former royals. They burned their bodies in public
New archeological investigations in Guatemala reveal that the ancient Maya people had a ritual of burning royal human remains as a public display of political regime change.
Where did the gold go? Crime expert weighs in on unfolding Pearson airport heist investigation
Almost 7,000 bars of pure gold were stolen from Pearson International Airport exactly one year ago during an elaborate heist, but so far only a tiny fraction of that stolen loot has been found.
Prince William returns to public duties after wife Kate's cancer revelation
Prince William will return to public duties on Thursday for the first time since his wife Kate revealed she was undergoing preventative chemotherapy for cancer.
Russia reports downing 5 Ukrainian military balloons in Kyiv's latest apparent war innovation
Russian air defences downed what authorities described as five Ukrainian balloons overnight, the defence ministry in Moscow said Thursday, as the sides kept up long-range strikes that have featured heavily in what has largely become a war of attrition.