Report on possible mandatory COVID-19 vaccines for Waterloo Region workers expected in September
Regional council is expected to receive a report next month on the possibility of mandating vaccines for public service workers.
Both the City of Toronto and the Province of Ontario have announced staff must have proof of vaccination or undergo regular COVID-19 testing. Many post-secondary institutions are following a similar policy, as is the federal government.
Local officials have yet to make a decision about mandatory vaccines.
"I just see this as another way to show leadership in the community, to ensure that people that interact with our staff are working in safe environments," said Regional Coun. Jim Erb.
Erb said the region owes it to residents to make sure they are safe.
"It's to respect the work they have done to keep our region safe over the last couple of months and to make sure any facilities they are entering that are owned by the region are safe to enter," he said.
Officials in Kitchener, Waterloo and Cambridge said they're discussing the issue and working with public health, but aren't willing to jump into a mandate yet.
"We'll use that information to make the best possible decision in as timely a manner as possible," Kitchener Mayor Berry Vrbanovic said.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
What to know about avian influenza in dairy cows and the risk to humans
Why is H5N1, or bird flu, a concern, how does it spread, and is there a vaccine? Here are the answers to some frequently asked questions about avian influenza.
'I was scared': Ontario man's car repossessed after missing two repair loan payments
An Ontario man who took out a loan to pay for auto repairs said his car was repossessed after he missed two payments.
opinion The special relationship between King Charles and the Princess of Wales
Royal commentator Afua Hagan writes that when King Charles recently admitted Catherine to the Order of the Companions of Honour, it not only made history, but it reinforced the strong bond between the King and his beloved daughter-in-law.
New Norad commander calls Canada's defence policy update 'very encouraging'
American troops will be spending more time training in the Far North, the new commander of Norad says, a strategy that fits 'hand-in-glove' with Canada's renewed focus on Arctic defence.
$70M Lotto Max winners kept prize a secret from family for 2 months
During a special winner celebration near their hometown, Doug and Enid shared the story of how they discovered they were holding a Lotto Max ticket worth $70 million and how they kept this huge secret for so long.
Are Canadians getting sick from expired food?
A new survey by Dalhousie University's Agri-Food Analytics Lab asked Canadians about their food consumption habits amid rising prices.
Documents reveal Ottawa's efforts to get Loblaw, Walmart on board with grocery code
It was evident to the federal government as early as last fall that Loblaw and Walmart might be holdouts to the grocery code of conduct, jeopardizing the project's success.
Charlie Woods, son of Tiger, shoots 81 in U.S. Open qualifier
Charlie Woods failed to advance in a U.S. Open local qualifying event Thursday, shooting a 9-over 81 at Legacy Golf & Tennis Club.
Improve balance and build core strength with this exercise
When it comes to cardiovascular fitness, you may tend to focus on activities that move you forward, such as walking, running and cycling.