Port Colborne COVID-19 policy for council, staff to be finalized September 27

Last night (September 14), Port Colborne Council okayed the city pursuing a COVID-19 vaccine policy for Port Colborne staff, students, volunteers, and members of Council.

However, at this point, it’s unclear how strict the city’s policy will be.

Last night staff was instructed to create a vaccine policy consistent with the City’s corporate values, collective agreement language, the Ontario Human Rights Code, and all applicable legislation to be drafted and implemented.

The final staff recommendation and report will be heard by council behind closed doors on September 27 but only after outside legal counsel goes through the wording.

At the August 23 council meeting, staff discussed a mandatory vaccine policy, but were not prepared to make a recommendation to Council. At that time senior leadership was reviewing legal opinions and consulting with other Niagara municipalities, with no immediate intent to implement a policy.

“This vaccination policy will add another layer of protection to the workplace,” said City CAO Scott Luey.

“Throughout the pandemic, senior leadership has made, at times, difficult decisions to protect the health and safety of staff and residents. We are always thinking of ways to limit the potential spread of the virus. This is evident in current policies and procedures, including wearing proper PPE, screening prior to entering a City facility, working remotely, and keeping various City facility buildings closed.”