Vaccines mandatory for workers, volunteers

A mandatory COVID-19 Vaccination Policy is now in place for township council, staff, contractors and volunteers accessing township facilities.
Council voted Monday to include themselves in the policy, recognizing that since they are elected officials and not employees, not all terms of the policy may be applicable.
Non-compliance is subject to possible discipline, including termination, and although all council members have disclosed they are fully vaccinated, as elected officials, they cannot be fired.
In a Sept. 1 letter, from the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit’s Medical Officer of Health it was strongly recommended that all employers create, implement and ensure compliance with a workplace vaccination policy. The policy has been approved by senior management and is in the process of being implemented.
Deputy Mayor Barry Burton and Councillor Doug McKechnie both had reservations about making the vaccine mandatory, saying it should be a choice, and not a fireable offence.
The policy does state that exemptions will be recognized for medical reasons.