The Nanaimo Ladysmith school board has voted to implement a vaccine mandate within the district.
The school board directed staff to create a procedure to apply to all staff that is consistent with the K-12 Sector Guidelines for Vaccination Policies.
The board will be undergoing consultation with employee representatives, parents, First Nations, Métis, Inuit, and community partners.
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The procedure will ensure there are accommodations for people unable to be vaccinated for medical reasons or under the Human Rights Code of British Columbia or Canadian Charter of Rights of Freedoms.
There will also be measures to ensure privacy obligations are met.
“It is vitally important, especially with the current Omicron variant, that we take the necessary step to protect our students and staff,” said Charlene McKay, the districts board chair. “We did not make this decision lightly and it follows a careful review of considerations as outlined in the K-12 provincial guidelines document for vaccination policies and in consultation with our Medical Health Officers.”
The procedure will be finalized and presented at a future meeting of the board.
Laura Brougham
