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COVID-19 Mandatory Vaccination Policies

With recent mandatory vaccination announcements from the BC and Federal governments, many employers are considering implementing mandatory vaccination or proof of vaccination policies in their workplaces. We encourage all employers to seek legal advice before implementing mandatory vaccination policies as this is a complex and evolving area that requires employers to strike the right balance between workplace safety and individual privacy and human rights.

Employers are required to tailor their vaccination policies to their specific workplaces, limit the amount of personal health information that is gathered, and ensure accommodations are in place for employees that have a valid reason not to receive the COVID-19 vaccine.

We assist employers of all sizes draft employment contracts that are industry-specific and meet their business needs. We can also assist in drafting non-solicitation and non-competition agreements that will withstand a challenge in the courts and protect your business on the departure of key employees.

In her report, British Columbia’s Human Rights Commissioner stated the overarching principle for employers to consider in implementing a vaccination policy is:

No one’s safety should be put at risk because of other people’s personal choices not to receive a vaccine, and no one should experience harassment or unjustified discrimination when there are effective alternatives to vaccination status policies.

We strongly discourage the use of vaccination policy templates that you can find online. The Court and Human Rights Tribunal have been clear that there is no one-size-fits-all approach to vaccine policies and that they need to be drafted with your specific business, workplace, and employees in mind. Our team of experienced lawyers can assist your organization in crafting a vaccination policy that can withstand legal scrutiny by tailoring the policy to your business and balancing worker health and safety with individual human rights.

Contact Catherine Coakley or Grant Morrison direct to discuss your employment situation.

Catherine Coakley, BA, JD
Partner, BTM Lawyers LLP
Direct: 604.917.0048
Email: [email protected]

Grant Morrison, BA, LLB
Partner, BTM Lawyers LLP
Direct: 604.917.0124
Email: [email protected]


Catherine Coakley, BA, JD
Partner, BTM Lawyers LLP
Direct: 604.917.0048
Email: [email protected]


Grant Morrison, BA, LLB
Partner, BTM Lawyers LLP
Direct: 604.917.0124
Email: [email protected]