Hamilton City Council votes to pause COVID-19 Vaccination Verification Policy requirements

HAMILTON, ON – Hamilton City Council has voted to pause all remaining COVID-19 vaccine provisions under the Mandatory COVID-19 Vaccination Verification Policy, effective May 11, 2023. This includes pausing the required proof of full vaccination in the workplace for all new hires and pausing all provisions that were still in place under the policy for Long-Term Care, Paramedic Services and Red Hill Child Care Centre staff.

Hamilton Public Health Services, along with its Public Health Unit partners, the Chief Medical Officer of Health and the Ontario government, continue to work together to assess and monitor the efficacy of COVID-19 vaccines based on the best evidence and guidance available.

Quick Facts/Timeline

• The City implemented its Mandatory COVID-19 Vaccination Verification Policy in August 2021.
• The Policy was amended in January 2022 to include termination of employment for employees who fail to comply with the Policy by May 31, 2022.
• On April 27, 2022, a Council motion on the staff recommendation to remove language in the Policy regarding termination for employees who have not complied with the Policy, was defeated by a 6-6 vote.
• In May 2022, Council voted to extend the deadline for employees to provide proof of vaccination, or face termination of employment, to September 30, 2022.
• On August 12, 2022, Council voted to amend several provisions of the policy including but not limited to the termination provision, the requirement for unvaccinated employees to rapid test, and returning unvaccinated employees who refused to rapid test to the workplace except for Lodges, Hamilton Paramedic Service and the Red Hill Child Care Centre. 
• On December 7, 2022, Council voted to refer motion 7.12 amending the Policy to the February 1, 2023 meeting of the General Issues Committee and ultimately Council ratified on February 8, 2023 to keep the policy in effect for Paramedics, LTC and child care staff, and new City of Hamilton staff hires.