Today, the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador provided details of its Mandatory Vaccination Policy that applies to public service employees in core provincial government departments, as well as agencies, boards and commissions. The policy is being implemented in an effort to ensure continued safety in the workplace, as well as to ensure additional health protection for all Newfoundlanders and Labradorians.
By December 17, 2021, all provincial government employees are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 or have an approved medical exemption. In addition, all new hires on or after December 17, 2021 are required to be fully vaccinated at the time of their employment start date.
The Provincial Government and agencies, boards and commissions will take the necessary steps to ensure the policy also extends to any vendor, supplier, contractor or volunteer who regularly works alongside public service employees during normal business hours.
Government will also be mandating COVID-19 vaccines for some employers beyond the core public service to come into effect on December 17, 2021. Places where employees and volunteers will have to be vaccinated include:
- Long-term care facilities
- Personal care homes
- Assisted living facilities
- Community care homes
- Businesses that employ members of regulated health professions
- Community agencies that provide supports to vulnerable populations
- Private health care clinics
- Fire departments
- Ambulance services
- Home care provider agencies
- Regulated child care providers
- Schools/Post-secondary institutions
- Anywhere the NLVaxPass is required for entry
Quotes
“This is not a decision we made lightly. With the Delta variant hitting our province with a fourth wave of COVID-19, it became clear that we need to use every tool we can to protect Newfoundlanders and Labradorians. We are aiming for 90 per cent and beyond for those eligible to receive the vaccine. The mandatory vaccination policy is another tool to make this happen. I am confident that our public service will continue to do their part to protect our friends, family and co-workers.”
Honourable Andrew Furey
Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador
“The policy is being implemented in an effort to ensure continued safety in the workplace, as well as to ensure additional health protection for all Newfoundlanders and Labradorians. On behalf of the Treasury Board Secretariat, I’d like to thank our public service unions, and our agencies, boards and commissions for their input during the development of our mandatory vaccination policy.”
Honourable Siobhan Coady
Deputy Premier and President of Treasury Board
“As a government, we must lead by example. The changing nature of COVID-19 requires us to respond as the latest science and data determine. We are working in line with our federal and provincial counterparts to ensure we are stepping up to provide the best tools to see us through this pandemic.”
Honourable John Haggie
Minister of Health and Community Services
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Learn more
Provincial Government Mandatory Vaccination Policy
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Media contacts
Meghan McCabe
Office of the Premier
709-729-3960
meghanmccabe@gov.nl.ca
Victoria Barbour
Treasury Board Secretariat
709-729-4087
victoriabarbour@gov.nl.ca
Lesley Clarke
Health and Community Services
709-729-6986, 699-2910
lesleyclarke@gov.nl.ca