OSSTF/FEESO Letter to Premier Ford

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December 31, 2021


VIA EMAIL: doug.fordco@pc.ola.org


The Honorable Doug Ford
Premier of Ontario
Room 281
Legislative Building, Queen’s Park
Toronto, ON M7A 1A1


Dear Premier Ford,


On December 16, to protect our schools, communities, and families, we wrote you requesting the implementation of a number of measures to stem the surge of the highly infectious Omicron variant. We acknowledged that the measures suggested would require considerable political will, but urged their consideration so that in-person learning, and the considerable benefits it brings to students, could continue in January.


Yesterday, Ontario’s families learned once again that your government still refuses to implement the preventative measures called for by education and public health experts. Given the importance of in-person learning, we share the Ontario Science Table’s view that school closings “should be part of a pandemic control strategy in only the most catastrophic circumstances.”


Ontario’s students cannot afford a repeat of last January, with more school closures and learning disruptions.


We urge you to act immediately and implement the following measures to address COVID-19 in schools, so that students can safely enjoy the benefits of in-person learning:


• reduce class sizes to promote physical distancing;
• increase effective vaccination rates in our school communities by publicly promoting the importance of vaccination for students;
• prioritize access to booster shots for all education workers;
• add COVID-19 to the list of designated diseases in Ontario Regulation 261/13 Designated Diseases under the Immunization of School Pupils Act (ISPA);
• improve ventilation and install HEPA filters in ALL classrooms and public spaces in schools and campuses, with publicly available air quality metrics and standards;
• ensure the non-fit-tested N95 mask orders by school boards are filled and delivered immediately;
• provide the best possible masks to all students, with improved guidelines to ensure masking compliance;
• implement stricter screening and isolation requirements;
• implement a more robust testing and contact tracing regime, which includes providing all education staff with regular access to Rapid Antigen Tests, and prioritizing PCR test accessibility for both education workers and Ontario’s students should they register a positive result on their rapid tests; and
• reconsider the short-sighted decision to decrease the isolation period from 10 to five days, as doing so unnecessarily risks reintroducing the virus into school settings.


In addition to these school-specific measures, to reduce the risk of sick Ontarians from infecting their colleagues at work, we ask that you improve the temporary paid sick leave program, as the three days of limited benefits this program provides will be insufficient to prevent workplace outbreaks. We also ask that you ensure all workplaces, especially larger ones, have easy access to testing capacity to ensure employees are tested if they have any symptoms.


As we have previously communicated, we believe current circumstances require additional community-based infection prevention and control measures, as recommended by the Ontario Science Table, including more effective reduced-capacity rules, enforcement of vaccine passports, and masking in all indoor spaces.


These measures are now more necessary than ever for safe schools and sustainable in-class learning. As we have stated many times throughout this pandemic, we urge you to contact us to discuss how we can assist in the implementation of these measures.


Yours truly,
Karen Brown, President
Elementary Teachers’ Federation of Ontario


Barb Dobrowolski, President
Ontario English Catholic Teachers’ Association


Karen Littlewood, President
Ontario Secondary School Teachers’ Federation


Mike Morgan, Chair
Ontario Council of Educational Workers


Warren (Smokey) Thomas, President
Ontario Public Service Employees Union


Anne Vinet-Roy, présidente
Association des enseignantes et des enseignants franco-ontariens


Laura Walton, President
Ontario School Board Council of Unions – CUPE


cc :


VIA EMAIL: christine.elliott@pc.ola.org


The Honorable Christine Elliott
Minister of Health
5th Floor, 777 Bay St.
Toronto, ON M7A 2J3


VIA EMAIL: stephen.lecce@pc.ola.org


The Honorable Stephen Lecce
Minister of Education
5th Floor, 438 University Ave.
Toronto, ON M5G 2K8

OSSTF/FEESO Statement—Ford fails to fortify the public school system to protect students and communities

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January 3, 2022—Despite the fact that today’s announced restrictions and measures are necessary to help address the Omicron variant’s impact on our health care system, Premier Doug Ford and his government have, once again, failed to recognize all that is needed to keep schools safe. We have known about the virulence of this variant for over a month, and yet, even last week the Premier failed to acknowledge its impact and implement a meaningful plan for schools.
Premier Doug Ford told us today that we need to “brace for impact” but has failed to fortify the public school system to keep communities safe. Today’s announcement does not go nearly far enough. Without increasing access to COVID-19 testing, providing full access to enhanced PPE, guaranteeing priority access to booster vaccines for educators, ensuring HEPA filters are in place in schools, and reducing class sizes to allow for physical distancing, the Premier cannot say he is doing everything he can to protect students, staff, and communities.
Ford acknowledges, “that online learning isn’t ideal.” We are entering the third calendar year of the pandemic, and yet urgent and direct action to implement the required safety protocols to get students back to in-person learning has not happened. With the extended pause of in-person learning, the government has additional time to finally step up and protect students, staff, and communities.
Special education teachers and other education workers, including some educational assistants, custodians and other support staff, are returning this Wednesday to school buildings without assurances that proper safety measures will be in place on time. When students return to in-person learning in the coming weeks, they are still returning to large classes with limited ability to physically distance, varying access to PPE, inconsistent ventilation, and a lack of pro-active rapid testing and reporting.
The government has failed Ontario’s schools by:
• Cancelling contact tracing;
• Reducing access to PCR testing;
• Ending transparent reporting of case counts in schools;
• Excluding schools from occupancy caps similar to those for households and businesses;
• Failing to reduce class sizes to ensure REAL cohorting and physical distancing can be established and maintained;
• Failing to have N95 masks ready for deployment;
• Leaving education workers and teachers without priority access to vaccinations and boosters.
If the Ford government had implemented these protocols months ago, they would not be in this position. Instead, Doug Ford is lurching from crisis to crisis, and continuing to see the erosion of the public’s confidence in the government’s ability to handle this pandemic. We need the Premier to initiate lasting, effective actions to get us through these challenges. Our hope is that this government will provide more information and details to the public in the coming days. Today’s announcement, while necessary, insufficiently addresses what is required to make schools safe.
OSSTF/FEESO will continue to advocate for the safety of students, communities and its members.
Protecting and Enhancing Public Education Protéger et faire avancer l’éducation publique
Ontario Secondary School Teachers’ Federation Fédération des enseignantes-enseignants
des écoles secondaires de l’Ontario
49 Mobile Drive, Toronto, Ontario M4A 1H5
TEL 416.751.8300
TEL 1.800.267.7867
FAX 416.751.3394
www.osstf.on.ca

In-house auto & property claims service makes a difference for our members

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There are many variables in your daily life that you may not be able to control but when the unexpected happens to you on the road or at home, know that the Curo claims team will have your back. For over 12 years, OTIP has partnered with CURO Claims Services and as a result, members like you have raved about their experience.
“The agent we were dealing with was extremely helpful and expedited our claim far quickly than expected!”
 
About the claims process and CURO Claims Services

  • CURO Claims Services is dedicated to providing members with courteous, fair and professional property and casualty claims service.
  • Experienced adjusters offer 24/7 weather and disaster response, claims counselling for members, and the resources you need during the claims process.
  • Your advocate – With the member being top of mind, CURO can advocate for your situation and claim with increased authority levels
  • Help at every step of the way – As a national adjusting firm with multiple licenses and designations, CURO Claims is able to help at every step of the way. Servicing in both English and French, CURO has a specific focus on working with the education community, with dedicated service available 24 hours helping you during a loss  

 
The steps of a claim:
 
 1. Submitting the claim – Connect with Curo 24/7 Emergency Claims Service for car and home insurance by phone, 1-866-952-2876 or report your non-emergency claim online. An adjuster will follow up with you within one business day to continue the claims process.

 2. Claim investigation begins. After the claim has been reported, it will need to be investigated by an adjuster to determine the amount of loss or damages covered by your insurance policy. The adjuster will also identify any liable parties, and you can help the process by providing any witness information or other parties’ contact information.

 3. Your policy is reviewed. Once the investigation is complete, the adjuster will go through your policy carefully to determine what is and isn’t covered under your policy and inform you of any applicable deductibles that may apply to your case.

 4. Damage evaluation is conducted. In order to accurately evaluate the extent of the damage, your insurance adjuster may hire appraisers, engineers, or contractors to lend their expert advice. Once the evaluation is complete, your adjuster will provide you with a list of preferred vendors to help with repairs. You’re not obligated to hire these vendors, but it can save you a good deal of time and research.

 5. Payment is arranged. After repairs have been completed and lost or damaged items have been replaced, your adjuster will contact you regarding settlement of your claim and payment. The amount of time it takes to receive payment will depend on the complexity and severity of your situation.
 
Looking for a quote on your car or home? Contact your OTIP insurance broker today at 1-888-892-4935 to get a quote.

Employees Donate over $3,000 in the “Spirit of Giving” this Holiday Season.

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Kitchener, ON – From November 29 to December 3, 2021, ECU – A Division of WFCU Credit Union staff
members were proud to once again take part in the “Spirit of Giving” campaign by donating over $3,000
to various community groups in Kitchener, Waterloo and Cambridge.

Through this annual charitable initiative, ECU – A Division of WFCU Credit Union staff members were
each provided $100 to donate to a community group, organization or event that is important to them and
helps make a difference in the community.

This year, ECU – A Division of WFCU Credit Union staff members supported over 20 organizations in our
community, including:

• Alzheimer Society Waterloo Wellington
• Calvary Pentecostal
• Cambridge Memorial Hospital
Foundation
• Canadian National Institute for the Blind
(CNIB)
• Cystic Fibrosis Canada – Kitchener-
Waterloo District Chapter
• Family and Children Foundation
• Food Bank of Waterloo Region
• Food 4 Kids Waterloo Region
• Haven House
• House of Friendship
• Kids Ability
• KW Counselling Services Inc.
• KW Sertoma Club
• McMaster Children’s Hospital
• Ontario Christian Gleaners
• The Salvation Army
• The Working Centre
• Waterloo Region Suicide Prevention
Council

To view photos and stories from the “Spirit of Giving” campaign, please visit ECU – A Division of WFCU
Credit Union on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

To learn more about ECU – A Division of WFCU Credit Union and its community initiatives, please visit
www.myECU.ca.

For more information, please contact:
Beth Ann Prince
Manager, Member Engagement & Community Investment
WFCU Credit Union
519-974-3100
bprince@wfcu.ca

About ECU – A Division of WFCU Credit Union:
ECU – A Division of WFCU Credit Union is a member-operated financial co-operative. We provide full
financial services, including a comprehensive Wealth Management program, to members who share the
principles of democratic ownership. Our primary focus is our members – not profits. That’s why we strive
to provide lower or no service charges, higher investment rates, competitive loan rates, and innovative
financial products and services. True to our commitment to our members and community, on October 1,
2020, Education Credit Union (ECU) joined its operations with WFCU Credit Union, becoming ECU – A
Division of WFCU Credit Union, expanding service offerings to anyone living or working in the Kitchener,
Waterloo and Cambridge region, and providing members with increased access to a wider range of
market-leading banking options to further assist them with their financial goals. For more information, visit
myECU.ca.

About WFCU Credit Union:
Based in Windsor and Essex County, WFCU Credit Union has been recognized as a leading, progressive
financial institution since 1940. Proudly serving Ontario residents, community organizations, small
businesses, commercial entities and public institutions for over 80 years, WFCU Credit Union is the sixth
largest credit union in Ontario, and twentieth largest credit union in Canada. WFCU Credit Union operates
nine retail locations in Windsor-Essex, as well as three retail locations in the Waterloo Region through ECU
– A Division of WFCU Credit Union, and one digital entity, Omnia Direct. Through their various service
channels, including online and mobile banking, telephone banking and ATM services, WFCU Credit Union
and its divisions have become the financial institutions of choice for 58,163 members across Ontario,
including 53,767 personal members in 25,249 households, 3,053 businesses and 1,343 organizations.
Currently, WFCU Credit Union has $6.83 billion in Managed Assets and Member Service Totals of $9.3
billion. WFCU Credit Union membership is open to anyone who lives and/or works in Ontario. For more
information, please visit wfcu.ca.

December 2021

rainbow graphic

OSSTF Equity update—December 2021

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Anti-Racism and Equity Training through Account #2018:

Account 2018 was established as a result of a Strategic Action Plan initiative approved at the Annual Meeting of the Provincial Assembly (AMPA) 2021. This account has a three-year mandate ending in June 2024. Its purpose is to provide funding to support Anti-Racism and Equity Training for Districts and Bargaining Units.

OSSTF/FEESO is committed to dismantling racism, oppression, and systemic barriers within the Federation. We are engaged in several activities as per the Action Plan to Support Equity and Anti-Oppression. A few of the completed and ongoing actions are found below.

Via OSSTF Update (Originally posted November 11, 2021)

Completed actions:

  • October 2020—Development of Addressing Anti-Black Racism and Allyship Workshops, written by OSSTF/FEESO members, including those that self-identify as Black/African Black/Caribbean Black and Racialized. These workshops will be available in the fall of 2021.
  • June 2021—An anti-racism and equity training provincial account was approved at The Annual Meeting of the Provincial Assembly (AMPA).
  • August 2021—Anti-racism training was provided to Bargaining Unit presidents at the inaugural OSSTF/FEESO Presidents’ Symposium 2021.
  • August 2021—The survey to delegates and alternates who attended The Annual Meeting of the Provincial Assembly for OSSTF/FEESO in the last four years to examine the barriers members face when navigating the Rules of Order that govern meeting was issued. This survey will close on Monday, September 20, 2021.
  • September 2021—A targeted call out to members who self-identify as Black/African Black/Caribbean Black, First Nations, Métis, Inuit (FNMI), Francophone, 2SLGBTQI+, Person Living with a Disability, Racialized, and/or women to join the OSSTF/FEESO Parliamentary Speaker Bank has been issued.
  • September 2021—The Black Persons and Persons of Colour Advisory Work Group members-at-large complement has been temporarily increased from 10 to 25 members-at-large for the 2021–2022 school year.

Actions in progress:

  • The use of focus groups, one-on-one interviews and Town Halls centred around dismantling anti-Black racism within OSSTF/FEESO (August 2021–ongoing)
  • The development of an OSSTF/FEESO Black Educators’ Network (August 2021–December 2021)
  • An evaluation of OSSTF/FEESO Rules of Order using a multi-pronged approach which includes an in-depth literature review, qualitative interviews, and a survey (June 2021–January 2022)
  • Review of the OSSTF/FEESO Equity Statement using an equity lens (September 2021)
  • The review of the terms of reference for the proposed OSSTF/FEESO Disrupting Anti-Black Racism Committee to the Provincial Executive by the in-house equity team, the Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) coordinator, and advisory work groups/committees in preparation for a report and recommendations to be presented at AMPA 2022 (September 2021–January 2022)
  • Review of the survey results issued to delegates and alternates who attended The Annual Meeting of the Provincial Assembly for OSSTF/FEESO in the last four years (October 2021–November 2021)
  • The issuance of a call out to members who self-identify as Black to be a presenter for the OSSTF/FEESO Addressing Anti-Black Racism workshop (October 2021)
  • The issuance of a Member Census to determine the demographic composition of the membership (December 2021)

Ongoing commitments:

  • Amplify Black voices/authors in OSSTF/FEESO online publications.
    Education Forum
  • Incorporate Black lived experiences and expertise in a variety of OSSTF/FEESO professional workshops and conferences.
  • Creating connections and sharing resources between the Dismantling Black Racism Officers and Trainers in Districts and Bargaining Units with the Provincial Office.
  • The development of partnerships and relationships with Black community organizations.
  • Investment in Black-Owned Businesses.

Via OSSTF Update (Originally posted September 15, 2021).

Laura Mae Lindo

Kitchener Centre MPP introduces bill to fight racism in schools

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Laura Mae Lindo says bill would define racism in legislation, because ‘when you define it, then it is real’

Paula Duhatschek · CBC News · Posted: Dec 03, 2021 5:00 AM ET | Last Updated: 10 hours ago

Kitchener Centre NDP MPP Laura Mae Lindo introduced a bill Thursday that aims to fight racism at all levels of the education system, from kindergarten to post-secondary. 

The Racial Equity in the Education System Act amends a number of existing acts that apply to the education system, from the Education Act to the Ontario College of Teachers Act, to include the definitions of racism and anti-racism. 

“Those definitions, as menial as they might seem, are actually major steps toward taking seriously the realities of racism within our education system,” said Lindo at a Zoom press conference. 

She said defining these terms in legislation allows everyone to get on the same page about what racism is, and what must be done to change it. 

“When you define it, then it is real.” 

Lindo’s bill would also: 

  • Require school boards and post-secondary institutions to create racial equity plans and review them regularly. 
  • Require professional development in racial equity for teachers and staff. 
  • Require boards to provide programs, resources and support for students, teachers and staff that have been targeted by or witnessed acts of racism. 
  • Set out penalties for those who disrupt school or class by using racist language or engaging in racist activities. 

Alpine school incident speaks to broader problem: Lindo

Lindo said a recent incident at Alpine Public School in Kitchener points to the need for “systemic solutions” around racism and inequality. 

A teacher has now been criminally charged after allegedly disciplining two children by taping them with masking tape. 

The father of one of the children told CBC K-W he was concerned race was a factor in the incident. 

Lindo said while that particular situation attracted a lot of attention, it likely speaks to a broader problem. 

“The reality is that something like that doesn’t happen unless a number of smaller instances of racial violence and lack of care for racialized students were allowed to go either noticed and and met with silence or fully unnoticed because these things are norm,” she said. 

Speaking at the same press conference, Teneile Warren, equity and inclusion officer for the Waterloo Region District School Board, said they support the bill. 

“We need legislative support in order to advance the work that is already taking place in our school systems,” said Warren. 

“We cannot continue to place the responsibility solely at the feet of teachers.”

Province says changes underway

In response to questions from CBC K-W, a spokesperson for Education Minister Stephen Lecce said the province has already given an expedited directive to school boards to collect race-based data, and required all school boards to undergo an “equity board improvement plan.” 

“We know there is more to do,” said Caitlin Clark, who said the province has also moved to de-stream education in Grade 9. 

“That is why we introduced mandatory anti-racism training for all education staff, introduced curriculum changes to counter discrimination and promote inclusivity, and it is why we strengthened sanctions against staff for racist actions or behaviour.”

Still, Lindo said she’s concerned that without defining terms like “racism” in legislation, different boards will end up using different language and produce data that can’t be properly compared. 

“Instead of doing that, why don’t we take a step back, put a very clear vision into the universe of what racial equity in education in particular looks like, and then ensure that the language and the tools are available for everybody so that they can all be working together,” she said.

As publish at: https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/kitchener-waterloo/kitchener-centre-mpp-introduces-bill-to-fight-racism-in-schools-1.6271617?fbclid=IwAR0UmsUDK_obCSZzYfmo72mOHSeQO2NO4Aq-Qz7PCurXG-NuE9MaDZBTWD4

Women’s Advocate Program

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OSSTF/FEESO created the Women’s Advocate program in 2020 to provide support to members of OSSTF/FEESO who were either experiencing domestic violence at home or who knew someone experiencing domestic violence.

Women’s Advocates have been jointly trained by OSSTF/FEESO and the University of Western Ontario’s Centre for Research and Education on Violence Against Women.

As a Women’s Advocate, we can provide you with much needed confidential support to help you navigate the complicated search to find help when you or a loved one is experiencing domestic violence. Whether you need help to find housing resources, shelters or supportive counsellors for your or your children, Advocates, like me, are here to help.

We can also provide you with assistance when dealing with your union representatives and employer. We are not a counsellors, but we can provide you with information on how to find a counsellor or a domestic violence worker in your community. We can also help you understand what types of leaves or assistance are available from your employer and your union.

To contact your local Women’s Advocate, Jennifer Williams, please email 4women@wlusa.ca.  All communication will be held in confidence except when a duty to report is required.

Image courtesy of: https://www.pngitem.com/middle/iRmwimR_purple-awareness-ribbon-png-photos-domestic-violence-awareness/

covered car

How to maintain a vehicle you don’t drive often [via OTIP]

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From decreasing your commute to putting your car in storage for the season, there are plenty of reasons why you might not be driving your vehicle as often as you used to. But don’t let it sit collecting dust — follow these steps to maintain your car and keep it ready to hit the road!

Learn more at https://otipinsurance.com/article128.

Fuel-burning appliances should be inspected annually: Waterloo Fire Rescue

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That’s part of their message ahead Carbon Monoxide Awareness Week, which is the first week of November

Ontario’s Carbon Monoxide Awareness Week runs from November 1-7, and Waterloo Fire Rescue reminds you to prevent carbon monoxide (CO) in your home by getting all fuel-burning appliances inspected annually. 

“In Ontario, more than 65% of injuries and deaths from CO occur in the home,” says Fire Chief Richard Hepditch. “We want to make sure everyone is safe from CO. Get all fuel-burning appliances inspected by a registered contractor.” Visit www.cosafety.ca to find a registered contractor near you. 

Waterloo Fire Rescue also reminds you to install CO alarms in your home if you have a fuel-burning appliance, a fireplace or an attached garage. Fuel-burning appliances can include furnaces, hot water heaters, gas or wood fireplaces, portable fuel-burning heaters and generators, barbeques, stoves and vehicles. 

“You must have a working CO alarm adjacent to each sleeping area if your home has a fuel-burning appliance, a fireplace or an attached garage as per the Ontario Fire Code,” adds Hepditch. “For added protection, install a carbon monoxide alarm on every storey of the home according to manufacturer’s instructions.” 

If you live in a condo or apartment building with a service room, CO alarms must be installed in the service room and adjacent to each sleeping area of all homes above, below and beside the service room. In condo or apartment buildings that have a garage, CO alarms must be installed adjacent to each sleeping area of all homes above, below and beside the garage.

What is CO?

  • CO is known as the silent killer because it is an invisible, tasteless and odourless gas that can be deadly.
  • CO is produced when fuels such as propane, gasoline, natural gas, heating oil or wood do not burn completely in fuel-burning appliances and devices such as furnaces, gas or wood fireplaces, hot water heaters, stoves, barbeques, portable fuel-burning heaters and generators and vehicles.

Prevent CO in your home:

  • Ensure fuel-burning appliances, chimneys and vents are cleaned and inspected annually. Visit www.cosafety.ca to find a registered contractor near you.
  • Check that all outside appliance vents are not blocked.
  • Gas and charcoal barbeques should only be used outside, away from all doors, windows, vents, and other building openings. Never use barbeques inside garages, even if the garage doors are open.
  • Portable fuel-burning generators should only be used outdoors in well-ventilated areas away from windows, doors, vents and other building openings.
  • Ensure all portable fuel-burning heaters are vented properly, according to manufacturer’s instructions.
  • Never use the stove or oven to heat your home.
  • Open the flu before using a fireplace for adequate ventilation.
  • Never run a vehicle or other fueled engine or motor inside a garage, even if the garage doors are open. Always remove a vehicle from the garage immediately after starting it.

Know the symptoms of CO:

  • Exposure to CO can cause flu-like symptoms such as headaches, nausea, dizziness, as well as confusion, drowsiness, loss of consciousness and death.
  • If your CO alarm sounds, and you or other occupants suffer from symptoms of CO poisoning, get everyone out of the home immediately. Then call 9-1-1 or your local emergency services number from outside the building.
  • If your CO alarm sounds and no one is suffering from symptoms of CO poisoning, check to see if the battery needs replacing, or the alarm has reached its end-of-life before calling 9-1-1.

Know the sound of your CO alarm:

  • Your CO alarm sounds different than your smoke alarm. Test both alarms monthly and make sure everyone in your home knows the difference between the two alarm sounds.
  • Don’t be confused by the sound of your CO alarm’s low-battery warning. Follow your CO alarm manufacturer’s instructions so you know the difference between the low-battery warning, the end-of-life warning, and the alarm alerting you to the presence of CO in your home.

For more CO safety tips, please visit www.cosafety.ca .For additional information about fire and life safety, please visit the Waterloo Fire Rescue website at waterloo.ca/fire or our Twitter page @Waterloo_Fire.

Via Kitchener CityNews

scanning QR vaccine code

B.C. Human Rights Tribunal tosses complaints against Henry, Horgan over COVID vaccine card

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Tribunal says “large volume” of complaints and inquiries have also been thrown out

The B.C. Human Rights Tribunal has tossed two complaints aimed at B.C.’s provincial health officer and Premier over the provincial COVID-19 vaccine card.

Typically, the tribunal does not publish screening decisions, which are made to determine if a complaint can be heard. However, due to receiving a “large volume” of inquiries and complaints alleging that the vaccine card is discriminatory, it was determined to be in the public interest, according to tribunal documents.

The first complaint was filed against Dr. Bonnie Henry, alleging that the proof of vaccination program discriminated against the claimant on the basis of disability. The complainant claimed to have asthma and a case of pneumonia as a child. The claimant also stated that he “does not want your experimental vaccine”.

Ultimately, his complaint was tossed because he failed to establish a connection between having asthma and not being fully vaccinated. The U.S.-based Allergy and Asthma Network said it is safe for people with asthma to get a COVID-19 vaccination, as they have not had an immediate or severe allergic reaction to the vaccine or any of its ingredients.

The second complaint was filed against Premier John Horgan, alleging the vaccine card amounted to discrimination on the grounds of political belief.

Human Rights Tribunal chair Emily Ohler wrote that political belief is only a ground of discrimination in relation to employment, employment advertisements and membership in employment-related organizations like unions.

The complainant filed her complaint on behalf of not only herself but a class of “people who are opposed to being forced into getting the COVID‐19 vaccination and getting our basic human rights and freedoms stripped from us.”

While Ohler agreed that a genuinely held belief opposing government rules regarding vaccination could be a political belief within the Human Rights Code, “I stress that protection from discrimination based on political belief does not exempt a person from following provincial health orders or rules.”

Ohler dismissed the complaint as it failed to prove how political opposition to the vaccine card adversely impacted the claimant’s employment and referred only to the announcement of the B.C. vaccine card, not any orders requiring employees in certain professions to be vaccinated.

Veronica Martisius of the BC Civil Liberties Association told Black PRess Media that there has been a rise in people who “mistakenly” believe their human rights are being violated by public health orders.

“Simply feeling oppressed by the government because you’ve been asked to wear a mask in a store or provide proof of vaccination to access non-essential services isn’t an acceptable human rights complaint under B.C. Human Rights Code,” she said.

Meanwhile, people with a disability that prevents them from wearing a face mask have a right to reasonable accommodation.

“Reasonable accommodation may include serving a customer outside or providing an online delivery service. If reasonable accommodation is not provided to someone with a disability, that may amount to discrimination.”

The Office of the Human Rights Commissioner — a separate entity from the Human Rights Tribunal which exists to provide education, advocacy and policy around the B.C. Human Rights Code — said they have received more than 1,000 phone calls and over 4,000 emails related to the B.C. vaccine card since Aug. 28.

B.C. Human Rights Commissioner Kasari Govender said in a statement to Black Press Media that while she understands how people feel the vaccine card is a violation of their rights and that medical exemptions are a vital accommodation, she does not believe the program violates human rights.

“A person who chooses not to get vaccinated as a matter of personal preference — especially where that choice is based on misinformation or misunderstandings of scientific information — does not have grounds for a human rights complaint.”

Via Kelowna Capital News.

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