e-3784 (Civil and human rights)

In response to COVID-19, Canada Post implemented a Mandatory Vaccination Practice (the Practice) as one of many measures put in place to protect the health and safety of its employees and ensure the continuity of postal service for all Canadians. The Practice, which mirrors the policy governing federal public servants, required all employees actively at work to be in full compliance by November 12, 2021.  Full compliance requires employees be fully vaccinated, defined as: having received the full course of a vaccine series authorized by Health Canada, with guidelines established by the National Advisory Committee on Immunizations (NACI); and having completed a 14-day immunization period after the final dose in the series. The definition of fully vaccinated is informed by and will continue to reflect the recommendations of NACI.

Individuals who sought an exemption from vaccination on human rights (including medical) grounds were advised to submit an accommodation request for consideration. While accommodation requests and supporting documentation were being reviewed by national experts in medical or other human rights, individuals were provided testing kits to conduct regular testing when required to be at the workplace.

All those approved for exemptions are obligated to continue regular testing as a means to reduce the risk of workplace transmission. Similarly, individuals who were partially vaccinated and in the process of becoming fully vaccinated to comply with the Practice, were required to undergo regular testing to reduce the risk of workplace transmission.

Individuals who choose not to comply with the requirements to be fully vaccinated are provided with unpaid leave until they choose to be vaccinated, or until the Practice is no longer in place. Canada Post respects and honours its obligation to maintain a safe workplace for all employees, customers, and visitors through the mandatory vaccination practice. It is meeting its obligations to provide accommodation under human rights requirements. Canada Post continues to assess the need for this measure, leveraging expert advice from the Public Health Agency of Canada, Health Canada and other trusted health authorities, to determine the ongoing need for the Mandatory Vaccination Practice.