premier scott moe said mandating vaccines for teachers, or workers in any other sector, is not something the province has discussed.
“but most certainly, i would encourage every individual in this province to look at the data that we’re providing. look at how effective vaccines are, make your decision and i hope that decision is one that you go out and find the vaccine as soon as possible,” moe told reporters at an unrelated event tuesday morning.
jeff perry, president of the regina public teachers’ association (rpta), said the rpta was not consulted before the stf called for mandatory vaccinations. he said a vaccine requirement would make some staff feel safer while posing a challenge for others.
“any additional pieces of the puzzle, with protocols and other things that we can put into place, will make it safer for our students and safer for our staff, absolutely,” perry said.
“i’m also cognizant that we have people with differing viewpoints on the vaccines and so making it mandatory won’t make everyone happy.”
perry noted mandatory masking would also help a lot of teachers feel more at ease, along with more information from the saskatchewan health authority about what the protocols will be if someone in a classroom tests positive or an outbreak is declared.