“the way this group of people is being treated is terrible,” she said. “they’re being villainized and dehumanized. in times of fear, people are looking for a scapegoat and they’ll use it to justify anything. i’m gravely concerned.”
simpson said people are being coerced into putting something into their bodies by fear that they’ll lose their livelihoods.
in a statement following monday’s announcement, vancouver city manager paul mochrie said the vaccination policy will offer exemptions for people with a “protected legal ground,” such as for medical or other grounds under the b.c. human rights code.
the provincial health officer has already made it mandatory for hospital or long-term care facility workers to be fully vaccinated, but dr. bonnie henry does not have the power to make orders in non-health workplaces.
however, at her suggestion, b.c. hydro has mandated vaccination for all its workers at the site c dam project, while b.c. ferries will require it for workers, but not passengers.
the city of vancouver’s announcement, the first for a municipality in b.c., is in alignment with rules already announced for federal and provincial workers.
vancouver police, while paid by the city come under the vancouver police board, so are not included in the mandate. however, the city order does apply to park board staff.