While proof of vaccination requirements have been lifted for all settings in Ontario as of March 1, 2022, employers may continue to implement a vaccination policy for employees. Vaccination policies for workers are separate from proof of vaccination requirements for patrons.
Halton’s Medical Officer of Health, Dr. Hamidah Meghani, has recommended that all local employers address the need for a workplace vaccination policy to help reduce the risk of COVID-19 transmission.
When determined by the employer to be reasonably necessary to prevent the spread of COVID-19, workplace policies can require workers to provide proof of vaccination for COVID-19.
In some workplaces vaccination may be mandatory, meaning that workers must provide proof of vaccination subject only to the employer’s obligation to provide accommodation under Ontario’s Human Rights Code. Other workplaces may encourage but not require vaccination. An employer may establish different rules or requirements for unvaccinated workers (for example, use of additional personal protective equipment, worker relocation and modified work or reassignments, etc.).
Your employer’s decision to implement such a policy, and the details of that policy, may be informed by a number of factors such as the type of workplace and the risks it presents for transmitting COVID-19, the work of the workers and consideration of the duty to accommodate (if applicable).
Workplace vaccination policies should adhere to the Occupational Health and Safety Act (external link), the Ontario Human Rights Code (external link) and privacy laws (external link).
All residents who have been vaccinated in Ontario are able to access proof of their vaccination through the provincial vaccination website (external link).