Red Deer Polytechnic not among Alta. post-secondary institutions to require vaccine proof
Red Deer Polytechnic (RDP) is not among the several Alberta post-secondary institutions that will require all students, staff, and visitors to be vaccinated.
On Monday, the University of Alberta, University of Calgary, MacEwan University, University of Lethbridge, Mount Royal University, NAIT, SAIT, Medicine Hat College, and NorQuest College announced they would implement a vaccine mandate.
RDP’s Student Association president Savannah Snow said she hoped that RDP would follow suit, but was disappointed when the institution told the media that it had no plan to implement a vaccine mandate.
“They haven’t consulted with us. They haven’t gotten the student opinion and went ahead and made statements to the media or decisions on behalf of the students. It’s really frustrating,” said Snow.
In a statement to CTV News, officials with RDP point to costs and logistics as the reasons there is no vaccine mandate or rapid testing available on campus.
"We are aware that some of Alberta's post-secondary institutions have implemented policies requiring COVID-19 vaccines, rapid testing and other protocols that they deem appropriate for their institutions,” said Jim Brinkhurst, vice president of college services.
“Red Deer Polytechnic has no existing requirements for students or employees to be vaccinated for COVID-19, nor to implement rapid testing. Factors such as costs and logistical implementation, including current lack of consistent vaccine documentation, are among the reasons that the institution has determined that mandatory vaccines and rapid testing will not be implemented at this time. However, we strongly encourage everyone on our campuses to be vaccinated. We were pleased to host a vaccine clinic at our institution last week, as part of our ongoing efforts to encourage vaccinations.”
Brinkhurst added that RDP already has multiple protocols in place to ensure the safety of students and staff including mandatory face coverings, daily COVID-19 contract tracing, and enhanced cleaning. However, Snow believes that is not enough.
“I think, right now, with the masking, students feel safe enough, but I think that safe enough is not cutting it. I think that we need to be safe, period.”
Snow said she has received multiple emails and comments on social media from students who would like a vaccine mandate at RDP.
“I do think that this is reflective of what students want,” said Snow.
“Getting documentation of vaccines would help us ensure the safety of the students, of the faculty, of our staff, and of any community member that we have coming in.”
Many students agree with Snow’s sentiment, like first year student Dylan Hyshk. He said a vaccine mandate would make for a safer campus.
“Alberta has one of the lowest percentages of vaccinated people, so I think people should get the vaccine and if you want to learn in-person, it should be required,” said Hyshk.
But, others think the institutions current protocols are enough.
“If someone doesn’t want it, you can’t necessarily force them to get it, and denying them the opportunity to go to college is a little bit unfair,” said first-year student Jacob Foster.
RDP said it continues to closely monitor the COVID-19 pandemic across the province and will adapt protocols and operations as needed.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Grandparents killed in wrong-way crash on Hwy. 401 identified
A 60-year-old man and a 55-year-old woman killed in a wrong-way crash on Highway 401 earlier this week have been identified by the Consulate General of India in Toronto.
Police arrest 3 Indian nationals in killing of B.C. Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar
Three people have been arrested and charged in the killing of B.C. Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar – as authorities continue investigating potential connections to the Indian government.
Suter scores late goal, clinches series for Canucks
Pius Suter scored with 1:39 left and the Vancouver Canucks advanced to the second round of the NHL playoffs with a 1-0 victory over the Nashville Predators on Friday night in Game 6.
TD worst-case scenario more likely after drug money laundering allegations: analyst
TD Bank Group could be hit with more severe penalties than previously expected, says a banking analyst after a report that the investigation it faces in the U.S. is tied to laundering illicit fentanyl profits.
Quebec man who threatened Trudeau, Legault online sentenced to 20 months in jail
A Quebec man who pleaded guilty to threatening Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Premier François Legault has been sentenced to 20 months in jail.
Human remains found in rural Sask. possibly a decade old, RCMP say
RCMP say human remains found in a rural area in central Saskatchewan may have been there for a decade or more.
Britney Spears 'home and safe' after paramedics responded to an incident at the Chateau Marmont, source tells CNN
A source close to singer Britney Spears tells CNN that the pop star is 'home and safe' after she had a 'major fight' with her boyfriend on Wednesday night at the Chateau Marmont in West Hollywood.
Canadian doctor concerned new weight-loss drug Wegovy may be used inappropriately
As Wegovy becomes available to Canadians starting Monday, a medical expert is cautioning patients wanting to use the drug to lose weight that no medication is a ''magic bullet,' and the new medication is meant particularly for people who meet certain criteria related to obesity and weight.
Drew Carey is never quitting 'The Price Is Right'
Drew Carey took over as host of 'The Price Is Right' and hopes he’s there for life. 'I'm not going anywhere,' he told 'Entertainment Tonight' of the job he took over from longtime host Bob Barker in 2007.