Government announces it intends to require vaccination for public servants

August 17, 2021 – Defence Stories

Vaccination is the most effective tool to reduce the risk of COVID-19 for Canadians and to protect broader public health. The Government of Canada has a duty to ensure the health and safety of its employees in the workplace and is continuing to take action to get as many Canadians vaccinated as possible.

As an important next step in this effort, the Government of Canada today announced its intent to require vaccination as early as the end of September across the federal public service. Further, the Government of Canada expects that Crown Corporations and other employers in the federally regulated sector will also require vaccination for their employees. This will include members of the Canadian Armed Forces. The government will work with these employers to ensure this result.

We’ll be working with you and bargaining agents as we plan for the implementation of the vaccination requirement. Details will be communicated as the work unfolds. We will also be engaging L1s at DMC next week. The process will include determining how this requirement will be implemented, through confirmation of COVID-19 vaccination and other means of protection when necessary.

For those few who are unable to be vaccinated, accommodation or alternative measures, such as testing and screening, and mask wearing may be determined in each situation, to protect broader public health by reducing the risk of COVID-19. All data collected on public servants’ vaccination status will be done in full compliance with the Privacy Act.

Today’s announcement comes in recognition of the dynamic public health situation in Canada. We continue to face more transmissible and more dangerous variants of concern, including the Delta variant, which is currently driving the beginning of a fourth wave of infections. Yet, since the start of Canada’s vaccination campaign in mid-December, less than 1 per cent of COVID-19 cases have been among those who were fully protected by the vaccine.

The Government of Canada continues to be guided by the advice of public health authorities, primarily the Public Health Agency of Canada and Health Canada’s Public Service Occupational Health Program (PSOHP), on all issues relating to the COVID-19 pandemic, including vaccination.

Vaccines are the best way to bring this pandemic to an end, by protecting individuals and communities by reducing the risk of COVID-19.

If you are already fully vaccinated, you have already helped reduce the risk to yourself and those around you.  If you are able to be vaccinated and aren’t yet, please book an appointment today. In accordance with the Directive on Leave and Special Working Arrangements, public servants who work in the Core Public Administration can use “Time off for personal medical and dental appointments” (code 698) for both vaccine appointments.

We know you may have questions. Our Ask Anything: COVID-19 mailbox remains active and is a great place to send your questions.