Employment lawyer on CityNews discussing privileges for the fully vaccinated

Interview Summary

As more Ontarians become fully vaccinated, many still remain partially vaccinated or await their first dose. Should there be incentives given to citizens in order to ensure more of the population is vaccinated? What will this mean for those who are unable to be vaccinated and their rights?

Jon Pinkus, an employment lawyer and Partner at Samfiru Tumarkin LLP joins CityNews to discuss the privileges given to those who are vaccinated and potential consequences.

Interview Notes

Should individuals who are fully vaccinated be given special privileges?

While fully vaccinated healthcare workers were permitted to attend the NHL playoff game as a thank you for their work during the pandemic, special privileges given to others could be a human rights concern. Some individuals who are not vaccinated due to their religion or a medical condition could bring forth a human rights complaint if denied access to events, locations, etc.

LEARN MORE
• Can my employer mandate the COVID-19 vaccine?
• Can my employer reward employees for getting a COVID-19 vaccine?
• Lior Samfiru on COVID-19 vaccines and employment rights

Do businesses face consequences if they offer privileges to those who have been vaccinated?

As there is a current backlog, individuals who bring forth human rights complaints as they have been denied access by businesses might not see any recourse until much later in the future. Currently, opening events and locations to only vaccinated citizens is not permitted unless the government gives approval.