Kenora MP Eric Melillo says he and his party are in strict opposition of the federal government’s proposed vaccine mandate for all remaining federally regulated workplaces.
These new regulations, proposed December 7, would make two doses of a COVID-19 vaccine mandatory for those working in road transportation, telecommunications and banking if passed by the House of Commons. No date on the vote has been set.
“Well, it continues to be a concern for us in the opposition,” said Kenora MP Eric Melillo, in an interview with Q104 and KenoraOnline earlier today.
Melillo says their concern surrounds the policy stating that if a worker does not wish to be vaccinated or does not disclose their vaccination status, they would be placed on administrative leave with no pay.
“We don't believe that anyone should lose their job based on a personal health decision. That's why we campaigned just a few months ago on a plan to use all the tools we have, which is rapid testing, to make sure everyone's decisions can be respected while keeping all Canadians safe from the virus.”
The move is expected to affect nearly one million Canadians. Federally regulated workers make up about 8.5 per cent of all employees in Canada, at about 1.3 million.
“I believe that this approach from the government and frankly some of the heated rhetoric that we've seen from them is really dividing Canadians at a time when we need to be coming together,” adds Melillo.
Mandatory vaccines are already in place for those in the public sector, as well as federally regulated air, rail and marine transportation sectors, travellers on these modes of transportation and members of the Canadian Armed Forces.
The requirement would also apply to all employees whether they are teleworking, working remotely or working on site. Contracted personnel who require access to federal government worksites would also have to be vaccinated.
Employers who do not comply with the proposed regulations would be subject to compliance and enforcement measures, including administrative monetary penalties and fines.
However, in recognition of Indigenous peoples’ right to self-determination and self-government, Indigenous governing bodies and First Nation Band Councils will be exempt from the new requirements.