COVID-19 vaccine mandate for B.C. government workers ending April 3
The B.C. government is ending its COVID-19 vaccination mandate for many provincial employees.
In an announcement Friday, the province announced that – beginning April 3 – BC Public Service employees will no longer be required to provide proof of vaccination against COVID-19.
Workers in many health-care settings remain subject to orders from the provincial health officer and are still required to be vaccinated, the government noted.
The announcement came just an hour before Health Minister Adrian Dix and provincial health officer Dr. Bonnie Henry were scheduled to speak at a news conference.
The pair announced plans for a "spring booster" vaccination campaign for residents particularly susceptible to the coronavirus, but Dix began his remarks by commenting on the end of the mandate for public service workers.
"It reflects what a lot of employers are doing and, overall, the advice of public health," Dix said.
In its announcement, the provincial Ministry of Finance said the decision to rescind the vaccine mandate "was made based on the high level of vaccination among public-service employees and the current state of the pandemic."
More than 98 per cent of BC Public Service employees met the requirement, according to the ministry.
"Rescinding the vaccination policy means a small number of employees on administrative leave due to non-compliance will be provided the opportunity to return to the workplace," the ministry's statement reads.
"The Public Service Agency has provided direction to ministries and will work with supervisors to support a smooth transition. This change also means that contractors and other non-employees do not need to be vaccinated to enter BC Public Service workplaces."
The vaccine mandate for public service employees was first implemented in November 2021, and the ministry said Friday that it was "always intended as a temporary measure."
"While it is now possible to remove this policy, the pandemic is not over and the Public Service Agency continues to encourage all BC Public Service employees to remain up to date on their COVID-19 vaccinations, including booster doses."
Henry echoed that sentiment in her remarks Friday, saying "COVID-19 is still with us," and noting that she foresees another mass vaccination campaign with additional booster doses in the fall.
Asked about the distinction between the lifting of the mandate for public service workers and continuing the mandate for health-care workers, Henry stressed that the type of workplace is the key consideration.
"My advice applies to health-care settings," she said. "Those provincial health officer orders remain in place because that is the highest-risk setting, both for health-care workers and for our patients and residents in our care."
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Young people 'tortured' if stolen vehicle operations fail, Montreal police tell MPs
One day after a Montreal police officer fired gunshots at a suspect in a stolen vehicle, senior officers were telling parliamentarians that organized crime groups are recruiting people as young as 15 in the city to steal cars so that they can be shipped overseas.
Mandisa, Grammy award-winning 'American Idol' alum, dead at 47
Soulful gospel artist Mandisa, a Grammy-winning singer who got her start as a contestant on 'American Idol' in 2006, has died, according to a statement on her verified social media. She was 47.
Man sets self on fire outside New York court where Trump trial underway
A man set himself on fire on Friday outside the New York courthouse where Donald Trump's historic hush-money trial was taking place as jury selection wrapped up, but officials said he did not appear to have been targeting Trump.
Sask. father found guilty of withholding daughter to prevent her from getting COVID-19 vaccine
Michael Gordon Jackson, a Saskatchewan man accused of abducting his daughter to prevent her from getting a COVID-19 vaccine, has been found guilty for contravention of a custody order.
She set out to find a husband in a year. Then she matched with a guy on a dating app on the other side of the world
Scottish comedian Samantha Hannah was working on a comedy show about finding a husband when Toby Hunter came into her life. What happened next surprised them both.
Shivering for health: The myths and truths of ice baths explained
In a climate of social media-endorsed wellness rituals, plunging into cold water has promised to aid muscle recovery, enhance mental health and support immune system function. But the evidence of such benefits sits on thin ice, according to researchers.
'It could be catastrophic': Woman says natural supplement contained hidden painkiller drug
A Manitoba woman thought she found a miracle natural supplement, but said a hidden ingredient wreaked havoc on her health.
Manitoba mom praises quick-thinking fire department for freeing daughter stuck in playground equipment
A Manitoba mother is praising firefighters for their quick work in helping her daughter who got stuck at a playground in Lorette, Man.
The Body Shop Canada explores sale as demand outpaces inventory: court filing
The Body Shop Canada is exploring a sale as it struggles to get its hands on enough inventory to keep up with "robust" sales after announcing it would file for creditor protection and close 33 stores.