Vaccine mandate coming for N.L. public sector workers, says premier
CBC
Newfoundland and Labrador could mandate COVID-19 vaccines for public sector employees in just one week, says Premier Andrew Furey.
At a briefing Tuesday, Furey said the provincial government is already in discussions with the unions representing the province's public sector workers, from health-care workers to teachers.
"We feel it's our responsibility to protect the people that we serve," Furey said.
The announcement came the same day the province provided details on how its vaccine passport system will work.
Furey said discussions with unions have been "open," and most have been receptive so far.
"Overall, there was a general willingness to participate, recognizing the current situation across the province," Furey said.
In a statement, Newfoundland and Labrador Teachers' Association spokesperson Jennifer Tulk said the union recently became aware of the government's plan for mandatory vaccinations, and is holding internal discussions.