An internal announcement from the Ontario government indicates the government plans to end its vaccine mandate for its over 60,000-strong workforce by April 4.
According to Kyle Richardson, a spokesperson for the Ontario Treasury Board Secretariat, “On March 1, 2022, an announcement was shared with all OPS staff regarding the resumption of the OPS Return to the Workplace Plan.”
“As part of the announcement, it was shared that the OPS requirement to provide proof of vaccination or undergo regular testing will also be lifted by Monday, April 4, except for in high-risk congregate settings.”
However, those working in places where large congregations occur will still have to take rapid antigen tests regularly, vaccinated or not.
The province is also calling on those working from home to return to in-person work, a move which may be resisted by many, as several jobs can be done remotely, and more infrastructure to do so was created over the last two years.
The move to return to in-person work is being called a “hybrid model,” with the government planning to phase workers back into their offices for a minimum of three days per week.
“This is a temporary hybrid model,” an internal memo reads. “Work is underway with leaders, employees, and bargaining agents on the future of work. We are doing this work with intentionality and thoughtful planning.”
This change, too, is set to be implemented on April 4.
So far, there is no sign that the Ford government has any intention to compensate the unvaccinated who were ruthlessly fired for refusing to take experimental mRNA gene therapy.
Moreover, while the province is removing its vaccine requirements, the city of Toronto, which is home to nearly 3 million people alone, is keeping its vaccine mandate, as is the York region.
“Ensuring all employees, as well as new hires, are vaccinated is an important component of what the city is doing to help protect the health and safety of all employees and the communities they work with,” a news release from the City of Toronto reads.
Earlier this week, Alberta Premier Jason Kenney defended Albertans from hostile municipalities trying to keep mandatory mask mandates for its residents by announcing a change of legislation that will make municipal health guidelines conform to the province’s policy.
Such a reaction may be warranted in Ontario, too, but it’s unlikely to happen with a Premier like Doug Ford.
