October 20, 2021
TORONTO – MPP Fraser is calling on the Ford government and opposition colleagues to support Bill 12 in tonight’s private member’s bill debate, that would, if passed, make COVID-19 vaccinations mandatory for all frontline healthcare and education workers in the province.
The Mandatory COVID-19 Vaccinations in Education and Healthcare Sectors Act, 2021 will
protect the most vulnerable Ontarians from COVID-19, reducing the risk of exposure to seniors, those with compromised immune-systems and children under 12 who are not eligible to be vaccinated.
“It is reasonable for families to expect that the person taking care of their loved one at home or in the hospital, is vaccinated. It’s also reasonable for parents to expect that the person looking after their child at school or in child care has been vaccinated,” said MPP Fraser, “The Ford government’s failure to take decisive action and implement a province-wide policy requiring all frontline healthcare and education workers be fully vaccinated, is putting Ontarians at risk.”
The bill aligns with the Human Rights Code. In the event that a designated organization is found to be in non-compliance, a Medical Officer of Health can issue an order under section 22 of the Health Protection and Promotion Act.
The bill would come into force 28 days after it receives Royal Assent to ensure adequate time for workers to get both vaccine doses.
For months, Ontario’s nurses, doctors, hospitals, school boards and families have been calling on the government to implement vaccine mandates in these settings. The COVID-19 Science Table said that vaccine mandates “…can enhance safety and reduce the risk of staffing disruptions due to COVID-19.”
“I agree with the Minister of Long-Term Care who said, when talking about mandatory vaccines, “the priority has to be protecting other residents and the safety of other staff.” “This same principle applies in hospitals, in home care, at schools and in child care centres.”
said MPP Fraser.
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Contact:
Grace Johnson | gjohnson@liberal.ola.org