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(Photo credit: CSRD)
By Pete McIntyre
CSRD

Regional district is latest to commit to mandatory vaccine policy

Oct 25, 2021 | 11:08 AM

The Columbia Shuswap Regional District (CSRD) is in the process of developing a policy to require COVID-19 vaccinations for all its employees and elected officials.

The CSRD board has directed staff to bring the policy forward for review at the November 18 board meeting.

“Health officials and scientists in Canada, and around the world, agree the best way to reduce the impact of COVID-19 in our communities is to be fully vaccinated. This proposed policy will help to protect everyone in our workplaces,” said Charles Hamilton, Chief Administrative Officer.

“The CSRD has already strongly encouraged staff to be vaccinated, not only to protect their personal health, but to ensure the safety and well-being of their colleagues and members of the public. Implementing a vaccination policy provides an added layer of protection for our communities,” added Hamilton.

The local government, which has its head office in Salmon Arm, said it continues to align itself with recommendations from the Provincial Health Officer by developing the policy. It also follows the recent announcement that all B.C. public sector employees are required to be vaccinated. Mandatory vaccine policies have also been implemented by other large employers and local governments such as WorkSafe B.C., the City of Vancouver, the cities of Kamloops and Kelowna and the Capital Regional District.

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The CSRD will determine a process and timeline for employees to provide proof of vaccination, as well as providing options for the few employees who are unable to be vaccinated for legitimate medical reasons.

In another step to limit the spread of COVID-19, the CSRD board also approved a motion to continue to defer all non-essential meetings until the province determines it is safe to advance to Step 4 of its Restart Plan.

by Pete McIntyre
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