Mississauga council could end proof of COVID-19 vaccination policies this week

Councillors required to show proof of vaccination since September 2021

Thestar.com
June 21, 2022
Steve Cornwell

The City of Mississauga could see its last two major proof of vaccination policies revoked this week.

City council will consider a motion Wednesday, June 22 that would repeal bylaws requiring Mississauga council members and the public to show proof of COVID-19 vaccination in order to attend in-person meetings.

The motion, which was moved by Ward 8 Coun. Matt Mahoney, comes months after the Ontario government lifted most COVID-19 restrictions and as many employers are weighing whether to continue with workplace vaccination rules.

Council passed its policy requiring city politicians to show proof of vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test to attend meetings in September 2021, while similar rules for the public were adopted last November.

Rules set for thousands of City of Mississauga employees and volunteers requiring proof of vaccination or a negative test, were suspended May 1, according to the motion.

A city spokesperson said in an email no employees were fired for not showing proof of vaccination but one was let go for not complying with the city's COVID-19 policies.

Proof of vaccination rules for employees and volunteers was approved by council in August 2021, with an initial deadline to show immunization status on Oct. 31. Employees who didn't show their vaccination status faced mandatory training and COVID-19 testing requirements.

As of Nov. 5, 2021, city officials said around 87 per cent of Mississauga employees had disclosed their vaccination status.