Red Deer city council passes first reading of immunization bylaw

On Nov. 9, 2021, council debated whether an immunization policy should be applied to elected officials as it was applied to City employees and volunteers. It was agreed unanimously on Nov. 15 to draft a policy to be presented for council by the end of January 2022.

READ: New city councillors file differing vaccine-related proposals

READ: Immunization policy for Red Deer city council drafted in January

Mayor Ken Johnston described the policy as an enabling one, allowing members to live simultaneously as councillors and citizens.

“It has no intentions on our ability to make choices in our day-to-day life,” said Mayor Johnston. “That really encourages me that I’m free to make those choices that I need to make as a citizen at large but I’m also, under the policy who I took an oath to adhere to as an elected official, as someone that the community as a whole looks to.”

The bylaw is for council members and volunteers appointed by council to agencies, boards or committees in order to attend in-person meetings or events when representing the Mayor or council.

As of February 7, 2022, council members who have not submitted proof of vaccination records, due to non-vaccination or choice, will have to provide a negative rapid test taken within 72 hours, valid from the time the test was taken to the time an in-person event starts. Testing must be done in a pharmacy or office capable of providing written test results.

The final deadline will be April 19, 2022, allowing time for two vaccination doses to be acquired eight weeks apart. Negative rapid tests will continue to be required for members who have not provided vaccination records beyond this date.

The policy states that, if Health Canada changes their definition of “fully vaccinated” by adding further doses, vaccinated elected officials will be expected to comply.

The policy also states that as councillors have various commitments in their schedules and council meetings can be spontaneous, members only have to provide negative rapid tests for events they wish to attend in person. If a member is not compliant with the policy, they will have to attend meetings virtually; no other penalties or punishments will be carried.

Due to the constantly changing nature of the pandemic, the bylaw must be reviewed by council within 90 days of coming into effect.

Councillor Victor Doerksen, who initially opposed such a policy on Nov. 9, raised concerns over the process to amend the bylaw once it comes fully into effect. Administration explained that it can only be amended in the future in the same way other bylaws can be amended. A council member would have to create a notice of motion directing administration to prepare a bylaw amendment which would then have to pass another three readings to complete that amendment.

Councillor Doerksen also voiced concern over the policy reading as a mandate, which according to the provincial Public Health Emergency Act does not give legislative authority to make mandates for vaccinations.

Michelle Baer from The City’s Legal & Legislative Services department, responded that the policy is not a mandate as it offers the option to either take a rapid antigen test or participate in meetings virtually.

Councillor Cindy Jeffries, who initially suggested the policy on Nov. 9, expressed satisfaction that it would bring a sense of safety and predictability.

“Even as a council member, if I’m popping into city hall, I think it helps address who has anxiety and uncertainty when people in the building know that you’re there and what your status is. It’s sad to say that but I know when I go to a restaurant that operates in the REP [Restrictions Exemption Program] program that they are asking for vaccines and what certain standards are they applying to the situation. I think this brings a similar peace to city hall for us,” she said.

Councillor Kraymer Barnstable, who while opposed to immunization mandates is satisfied with the options provided by the City, responded to Councillor Jeffries’ comment by stating, “We want a city that is inclusive and welcoming of all people. We’re very much committed to making sure that no one is separated or divided by our community and just by having the term or saying the term ‘you want to know someone’s status when you walk into a particular building’ to me, that is a direct comment regarding separation and division and segregation.”

Second and third reading of the immunization bylaw will be held during council’s meeting on Jan. 31.

by Alessia Proietti

Red Deer city council passes first reading of immunization bylaw

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