Kingsville sets vaccine mandate

KINGSVILLE — A mandatory vaccination policy has been implemented by the Town of Kingsville — a policy that will apply to all employees, members of council, members of committees of council, firefighters, students and volunteers.

The policy was voted on at Kingsville Council’s regular meeting on Monday, September 13 and was passed by a 4-2 vote margin.

Only councillors Laura Lucier and Tony Gaffan voted against the policy — both citing their own personal reasons for the vote.

Lucier believes that higher levels of government should be responsible for setting the mandate, while Gaffan felt that the policy created a slippery slope.

Both are fully in support of vaccinations, but don’t believe the town should get involved in mandating them. They each suggested amendments to the policy that would allow for certain exemptions, but the amendments were not passed.

New employees will also be required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 as a condition of employment.

Employees who remain unvaccinated due to a substantiated Human Rights Code related accommodation request may be required to take additional infection and prevention control measures, including providing proof of a negative COVID-19 test, as well as self-isolating if exposed to COVID-19. Those employees can request an accommodation and those who are claiming a medical exemption must provide information from their doctor or nurse practitioner.

The deadline for the first dose is September 30 and the second dose must be administered by October 30.