Firefighters mount AHS court challenge over 'unconstitutional' vaccine mandate
A group of firefighters have said they plan to take Alberta Health Services to court over the vaccine mandate.
Last week a group of Alberta first responders sent a letter to Alberta Health Services saying they will take AHS to court over what they call the “unconstitutional” vaccine mandate.
The group, known as Fight for the Frontline, is made up of firefighters, paramedics, and other front-line staff who have hired a law firm to take up their case in court.
Spokesperson Tim Moen, who is a firefighter-paramedic, said he speaks for those who may have medical conditions, religious exemptions, or what he calls natural immunity from contracting the COVID-19 virus.
Moen said, in listening to his colleagues, he found many who may lose their jobs because they are unvaccinated.
“Hearing their stories kind of broke my heart and so I wanted to get involved and help them out,” Moen said.
“Our communities are less safe without these guys working for us.”
Moen expects around one to two per cent of first responders may lose their jobs on Nov. 1, after the AHS mandate kicks in. Right now, the group is made up of around 40 to 50 front-line firefighters and 200 front-line workers.
The group wrote a letter to AHS demanding it provide rapid-testing options, and recognize: natural immunity; exemptions under the Alberta Human Rights Act; that an unpaid leave of absence is a constructive dismissal; that unvaccinated employees are entitled to severance upon dismissal; and that it compensate individuals who suffer vaccine injuries because of this mandate.
Moen said some people would prefer to get tested regularly, and other staff have “taken the vaccination under coercion.”
Moen said he is vaccinated, but may not want a future series of booster shots, or he may have a health problem that could prevent him from getting the vaccine.
The letter sent to AHS said the mandate is unfair because none of the COVID-19 vaccines have been satisfactorily proven safe. The letter said those who are vaccinated should be required to undergo testing to ensure they are not unwittingly spreading infections.
The World Health Organization and all other leading health organizations say the COVID-19 vaccine is safe and there are strict protections in place to help ensure the safety of all COVID-19 vaccines.
“Before receiving validation from WHO and national regulatory agencies, COVID-19 vaccines must undergo rigorous testing in clinical trials to prove that they meet internationally agreed benchmarks for safety and efficacy,” the WHO website reads.
“Unprecedented scientific collaborations have allowed COVID-19 vaccine research, development, and authorizations to be completed in record time - to meet the urgent need for these vaccines while maintaining high safety standards. As with all vaccines, WHO and regulatory authorities will continuously monitor the use of COVID-19 vaccines to identify and respond to any safety issues that might arise, and through that process to assure they remain safe for use around the world.”
Experts say natural immunity doesn't replace immunity from vaccination.
The group said they have other concerns, including that religious and medical exemptions are exceedingly difficult, if not impossible, to attain.
Moen said they have heard back from AHS, who is asking them for the identities of those behind the letter. Moen said they are reluctant to reveal their identities for fear of retribution.
Firefighters and paramedics are often employed by municipalities that have contracts to provide emergency medical services, such as the situation in St. Albert, and Moen said they just want to follow the same rules municipalities have in place, such as regular testing, rather than have a vaccine mandate.
The letter said that if the demands listed are not met, they will be moving forward with a Constitutional challenge in court. Moen said they hope to have the issue resolved before it reaches the justice system.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
BREAKING Israel attacks Iran, Reuters sources say; drones reported over Isfahan
Israel has attacked Iran, three people familiar with the matter told Reuters, as Iranian state media reported early on Friday that its forces had destroyed drones, days after Iran launched a retaliatory drone strike on Israel.
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer denied bail after being charged with killing Canadian couple
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer, one of two men charged in the killings of a Canadian couple in Dominica, has been denied bail.
Nearly half of China's major cities are sinking, researchers say
Nearly half of China's major cities are suffering 'moderate to severe' levels of subsidence, putting millions at risk of flooding especially as sea levels rise.
Prince Harry formally confirms he is now a U.S. resident
Prince Harry, the son of King Charles III and fifth in line to the British throne, has formally confirmed he is now a U.S. resident.
Judge says 'no evidence fully supports' murder case against Umar Zameer as jury starts deliberations
The judge presiding over the trial of a man accused of fatally running over a Toronto police officer is telling jurors the possible verdicts they may reach based on the evidence in the case.
Health Canada to change sperm donor screening rules for men who have sex with men
Health Canada will change its longstanding policy restricting gay and bisexual men from donating to sperm banks in Canada, CTV News has learned. The federal health agency has adopted a revised directive removing the ban on gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men, effective May 8.
Colin Jost names one celebrity who is great at hosting 'Saturday Night Live'
Colin Jost, who co-anchors Saturday Night Live's 'Weekend Update,' revealed who he thinks is one of the best hosts on the show.
Sports columnist apologizes for 'oafish' comments directed at Caitlin Clark. The controversy isn't over
A male columnist has apologized for a cringeworthy moment during former University of Iowa superstar and college basketball's highest scorer Caitlin Clark's first news conference as an Indiana Fever player.
'Shopaholic' author Sophie Kinsella reveals brain cancer diagnosis
Sophie Kinsella, the best-selling author behind the 'Shopaholic' book series, has revealed that she is receiving treatment for brain cancer.