Close X
Wednesday, January 15, 2025
ADVT 
National

B.C. to drop COVID-19 vaccine requirement

Darpan News Desk The Canadian Press, 10 Mar, 2023 03:12 PM
  • B.C. to drop COVID-19 vaccine requirement

VICTORIA - British Columbia is rescinding its policy that required provincial public servants to be vaccinated against COVID-19.

The province says that from April 3, BC Public Service employees will no longer be required to provide proof of vaccination.

The Ministry of Finance says in a statement the decision to rescind the policy was made "based on the high level of vaccination among public-service employees and the current state of the pandemic."

It says more than 98 per cent of employees met the requirement.

The statement says ending the policy means "a small number" of employees on administrative leave due to non-compliance will get the chance to come back to work.

The government says people are still required to be vaccinated if they work in settings under provincial health officer orders or other vaccination requirements and vaccine mandates remain in place in "highest-risk" settings like health-care facilities.

"The vaccination requirement for public-service employees, introduced in November 2021, was always intended as a temporary measure to help protect employees and the people they serve," the statement says.

It adds that vaccination "continues to be the best protection against severe illness with COVID-19 for individuals, including children and youth, and has helped protect B.C.'s health-care system and the economy."

Stephanie Smith, president of the BC General Employees' Union, says the union has requested a meeting with the BC Public Service Agency to discuss the change and ensure all members received "equitable treatment" under the now-rescinded policy.

“From the beginning of the pandemic, BCGEU members have demanded clarity on how employers’ decisions affect us and our working lives," she says in a statement. "Our union has a number of questions about how this change will impact our members."

MORE National ARTICLES

IHIT investigating deadly stabbing in Mission

IHIT investigating deadly stabbing in Mission
At this time, investigators believe this to be an isolated incident with no connection to the Lower Mainland Gang Conflict. The victim has been identified, though his name is not being released at this time, to allow time for proper notification of the family.

IHIT investigating deadly stabbing in Mission

Assault lands Surrey man in hospital, suspects described as South Asian males

Assault lands Surrey man in hospital, suspects described as South Asian males
Police were called to a residence in the 9000 block of 128 Street. Police located a man suffering serious injuries lying in the driveway of the residence.The suspects, described as three South Asian males, fled the area in a vehicle, believed to be a silver 4-door SUV.  

Assault lands Surrey man in hospital, suspects described as South Asian males

WATCH: DARPAN Showcases Spectacular Events in Surrey

WATCH: DARPAN Showcases Spectacular Events in Surrey
DARPAN Magazine brings you highlights from some incredible events that took place over the weekend. The events featured the best of what the City of Surrey has to offer in terms of entertainment, culture, music and much more.

WATCH: DARPAN Showcases Spectacular Events in Surrey

Downtown Eastside man dies following an interaction with Vancouver Police

Downtown Eastside man dies following an interaction with Vancouver Police
Vancouver Police responded shortly before 8 a.m. Monday after a man was seen acting erratically near East Hastings Street and Dunlevy Avenue. Following an interaction with police, the man was taken into custody. He then went into medical distress and lost consciousness.

Downtown Eastside man dies following an interaction with Vancouver Police

PM questions case for sending LNG to Europe

PM questions case for sending LNG to Europe
The comments came Monday during a joint news conference with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz in Montreal as the prime minister hosted the German leader during a visit that will also include stops in Toronto and Newfoundland.

PM questions case for sending LNG to Europe

Driver in hospital after deadly B.C. wedding crash

Driver in hospital after deadly B.C. wedding crash
Const. Nicole Braithwaite of West Vancouver Police told a press conference today that the scene of the incident at the 400 block of Keith Road was “chaotic.” She says two women in their 60s were pronounced dead at the scene, and seven people were taken to hospital, two in critical condition.

Driver in hospital after deadly B.C. wedding crash