More Ontario universities make COVID-19 vaccination mandatory on campus
More universities in Ontario are making COVID-19 vaccinations mandatory for those who will be on campus this fall.
York University in Toronto, Queen's University in Kingston, Ont., the University of Guelph, and Ontario Tech University in Oshawa, Ont., were the latest to say Thursday that they'll require proof of vaccination from those attending their facilities.
The University of Toronto and Western University in London, Ont., announced their mandatory vaccination policies a day earlier.
Queen's University said all students, staff, and faculty returning to campus will need to be fully vaccinated or have a plan to do so by Sept. 7.
"We know from medical science that ensuring high vaccination rates is the most effective way to mitigate a fourth wave and to best safeguard our anticipated full return to campus," principal and vice-chancellor Patrick Deane said in a statement.
The University of Guelph said its mandatory vaccine policy would apply at its Guelph and Ridgetown campuses and indoors at all its university-managed field stations.
University President Charlotte A.B. Yates said the policy will help guard against outbreaks and protect individuals from severe disease, hospitalization and death.
The University of Toronto had earlier mandated vaccinations for those living on campus and for certain activities it considers "high-risk," such as varsity sports, music instruction and educational placements.
It now requires everyone who intends to be on its three campuses to be fully immunized -- those who cannot be vaccinated will need to participate in a rapid screening program and be subject to additional health measures.
"All members of our community should become vaccinated as soon as possible," Professor Salvatore Spadafora, special adviser to the university's president on COVID-19, said in a statement.
"The public health evidence is clear: Vaccination provides the best protection from COVID-19."
Western University said all students, staff and faculty on campus this fall will need to provide proof of vaccination and those who don't will need to be tested twice a week.
Ontario Tech University said it's giving individuals until Oct. 17 to receive their second vaccination. It said that was to accommodate community members coming from overseas, and others who "may not have realized the critical importance of vaccination or may have extenuating circumstances."
York University said that all community members, visitors and those living in undergraduate residences will required to be vaccinated.
Earlier this week, the University of Ottawa mandated COVID-19 vaccines for those attending its campus in the fall, while Seneca College in the Greater Toronto Area announced a similar policy in July.
Last Friday, the Council of Ontario Universities and Colleges Ontario called for a province-wide policy that requires the vaccination of post-secondary students, staff and faculty.
The organizations said post-secondary institutions also support the adoption of a "COVID Safe Pass" that would provide businesses and institutions an additional tool to help support public health measures.
Premier Doug Ford has been opposed to an Ontario vaccine certificate system, which would restrict access to some high-risk activities.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Aug. 12, 2021.
With files from CTV Toronto's Abby Neufeld.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Air Canada walks back new seat selection policy change after backlash
Air Canada has paused a new seat selection fee for travellers booked on the lowest fares just days after implementing it.
Province boots mayor and council in small northern Ont. town out of office
An ongoing municipal strike, court battles and revolt by half of council has prompted the province to oust the mayor and council in Black River-Matheson.
3 law officers serving warrant are killed, 5 wounded in shootout at North Carolina home, police say
Three officers on a U.S. Marshals Task Force serving a warrant for a felon wanted for possessing a firearm were killed and five other officers were wounded in a shootout Monday at a North Carolina home, police said.
'Shocked and concerned': Calgary principal charged with possession of child pornography
A Calgary elementary school principal has been charged with possession of child pornography, authorities announced Monday.
Health authority confirms cockroaches at B.C. hospital, insists they 'do not bite'
The Vancouver Island Health Authority is downplaying what staff describe as a cockroach infestation in a medical unit of Saanich Peninsula Hospital.
Toronto police arrest 12 people, lay 102 charges in major credit card fraud scheme
Toronto police say 12 people are facing a combined 102 charges in connection with an investigation into a major credit fraud scheme.
Winner of US$1.3 billion Powerball jackpot is an immigrant from Laos who has cancer
One of the winners of a historic US$1.3 billion Powerball jackpot last month is an immigrant from Laos who has had cancer for eight years and had his latest chemotherapy treatment last week.
Britney and Jamie Spears settlement avoids long, potentially ugly and revealing trial
Britney Spears and her father Jamie Spears will avoid what could have been a long, ugly and revealing trial with a settlement of the lingering issues in the court conservatorship that controlled her life and financial decisions for nearly 14 years.
WATCH 'Double whammy': What happens if you don't file your taxes by the deadline
The clock is ticking ahead of the deadline to file a 2023 income tax return. A personal finance expert explains why you should get them done -- even if you owe more than you can pay.