EDMONTON

Liberals call for government to make vaccines mandatory in Alberta schools

Julia Parrish CTV Edmonton
Published Wednesday, March 11, 2015 4:39PM MDT Last Updated Thursday, March 12, 2015 6:56PM MDT

A new poll on vaccination in Alberta show that 65 percent of people want child care facilities in the province to refuse entry to children who have been not been vaccinated.

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The Alberta Liberals brought an idea forward Wednesday to make vaccinations mandatory in the province’s schools.

Interim Liberal Leader David Swann pointed out during Question Period that a number of jurisdictions require proof of vaccinations before a child enters school.

“Will the minister make Martha and Henry’s grandkids safer by requiring proof of vaccination when a child is registered for school?” Swann said.

It was a proposal Education Minister Gordon Dirks said he took seriously.

“I take very seriously the member’s proposal,” Dirks said in Question Period. “We would want to consult with school boards, parents, Albertans with what may be the way forward on this particular matter.”

Health Minister Stephen Mandel called it an important issue, but said rules need to be followed, and the wishes of parents need to be taken into consideration.