Statement from NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh on mandatory vaccinations

Earlier, Jagmeet Singh, the leader of the NDP made the following statement:

“Today, Justin Trudeau refused to outline a timeline for mandatory vaccination for federal employees and could not answer direct questions about consequences for federal employees who refuse to be vaccinated.

“We have to be clear that the health and safety of Canadians must come first. To get as many people vaccinated as possible, we need to back up the commitment with actions. We will work with public sector unions to provide more education, remove barriers and give workers ample opportunity to get a vaccine.

“For employees who still refuse to be vaccinated, without a reason related to health status, we would expect that the collective agreement would be followed. All collective agreements include a process for progressive discipline - up to and including termination. Discipline should always be a last resort, but may be necessary in rare cases to protect the health and safety of Canadians.”