Updated occupational health guidance and the easing of restrictions

November 23, 2021 -  Defence Stories

Defence Team,

As the COVID-19 situation in Canada evolves and more Canadians are getting vaccinated, the Government of Canada continues to update its recommended public health measures and guidance for departments on the easing of restrictions in workplaces. This updated guidance along with the Government of Canada’s Policy on COVID-19 Vaccination and the CDS Directives 001 and 002 on CAF COVID-19 Vaccination will eventually open the door to more Defence Team members working together in larger numbers in DND/CAF facilities once a transition plan has been established.

As has been the case from the outset of the pandemic, Defence Team members can be confident that every measure continues to be taken to ensure their safety in the workplace. And with approximately 92 per cent of Defence Team members fully vaccinated and 2.2 per cent having had at least one shot, we know that the way forward has the strongest of foundations.

There is no one-size-fits-all approach or model that will work for all organization or regions across the country. We will continue to approach our strategy in an asymmetrical manner, recognizing that just over half of the workforce has been working onsite throughout the pandemic. DND/CAF leadership is making decisions regarding access to worksites and necessary occupational health protocols based on government-wide guidance, taking into consideration the local public health situation, individual organizations’ operational requirements, building and technology infrastructure capacity, and the nature of the work.

Personnel who have continued to work in DND/CAF facilities throughout the pandemic and those who may return in the future can be assured of a safe and healthy work environment. A number of measures have been taken to ensure the health and safety of Defence Team members working on-site, including the establishment of re-occupancy limits, maintaining fully operational elevators and other stairwells, and ensuring that water and ventilation systems continue to meet or exceed the National Building Code of Canada and federal occupational health and safety regulations.

Recognizing that at this time the pandemic is still ongoing, leadership is currently assessing the next direction for the Defence Team and guidance on the way forward will be issued in the coming months. We will continue to build flexibility into our work models, including hybrid work, where this is possible and where it makes sense. In the meantime, on-site work will continue to be based on operational requirements.

For the latest updates, please consult the Defence Team – COVID-19 web page. If you have any questions, please speak to your supervisor or submit them through the Ask Anything: COVID-19 inbox.

Thank you for your continued support, Defence Team.