Lack of worker vaccine requirement in Alberta a 'loophole,' says health law expert
That Alberta's Restrictions Exemption Program could mean unvaccinated workers will serve customers who were asked to prove their full COVID-19 immunization is either a loophole or an oversight, says a University of Alberta professor.
"It must just be part of the kerfuffle surrounding the rollout. I mean, that's the generous interpretation," Timothy Caulfield told CTV News Edmonton. Caulfield serves as director of the U of A's Health Law Institute as well as the Canada Research Chair in Health Law and Policy.
"The less generous interpretation is that someone actually put their mind to this and still came to this conclusion – because it makes no sense to me at all."
The Restrictions Exemption Program allows businesses to sidestep most public health measures if they either require a recent negative COVID-19 test or proof of vaccination from customers.
The exemption program has several exemptions itself: children under 12 who are not eligible for vaccine, essential businesses, and employees of businesses participating in the program – such as workers at restaurants or movie theatres.
"I just don't think it's fair to (Albertans) to be coming into these establishments and then to be served by someone who isn't vaccinated," Caulfield said.
"It's a huge loophole in the system."
When Alberta's chief medical officer of health was asked about the apparent glitch, Dr. Deena Hinshaw said the program was modelled after other provinces'.
"We noted that there's no other province that has extended those mandates to employees of affected businesses. So the program in Alberta is consistent with other provincial mandates," Hinshaw told CTV News Edmonton on Thursday.
"Employers may choose to require employees to be immunized; that certainly is something that's within their rights to do."
- 'Staff should also be doing it': Workers at non-essential businesses not included in Ontario's vaccine passport plan
- B.C. vaccine card rules may not apply to staff at venues requiring proof of vaccination
Caulfield said including employees would be the best way to increase vaccine uptake.
American President Joe Biden's vaccine requirements plan would mandate the COVID-19 shot for federal workers, private employers with more than 100 employees, educators, and most health-care workers.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
DEVELOPING Person on fire outside Trump's hush money trial rushed away on a stretcher
A person who was on fire in a park outside the New York courthouse where Donald Trump’s hush money trial is taking place has been rushed away on a stretcher.
Mandisa, Grammy award-winning 'American Idol' alum, dead at 47
Soulful gospel artist Mandisa, a Grammy-winning singer who got her start as a contestant on 'American Idol' in 2006, has died, according to a statement on her verified social media. She was 47.
She set out to find a husband in a year. Then she matched with a guy on a dating app on the other side of the world
Scottish comedian Samantha Hannah was working on a comedy show about finding a husband when Toby Hunter came into her life. What happened next surprised them both.
Senators reject field trip to African Lion Safari amid elephant bill study
The Senate legal affairs committee has rejected a motion calling for members to take a $50,000 field trip to the African Lion Safari in southern Ontario to see the zoo's elephant exhibit.
'It could be catastrophic': Woman says natural supplement contained hidden painkiller drug
A Manitoba woman thought she found a miracle natural supplement, but said a hidden ingredient wreaked havoc on her health.
Police in Paris detain a man wearing fake explosives vest at Iran's Consulate
A man wearing a fake explosive vest and making threats was detained Friday outside the Iranian Consulate in Paris after police locked down the area, authorities said. His motive was unclear.
DEVELOPING G7 warns of new sanctions against Iran as world reacts to apparent Israeli drone attack
Group of Seven foreign ministers warned of new sanctions against Iran on Friday for its drone and missile attack on Israel, and urged both sides to avoid an escalation of the conflict.
CFIA monitoring for avian flu in Canadian dairy cattle after U.S. discoveries
The Canadian Food Inspection Agency is encouraging veterinarians to keep an eye out for signs of avian influenza in dairy cattle following recent discoveries of cases of the disease in U.S. cow herds.
After hearing thousands of last words, this hospital chaplain has advice for the living
Hospital chaplain J.S. Park opens up about death, grief and hearing thousands of last words, and shares his advice for the living.