Jon Pinkus on the possibility of vaccines for all employees

Interview Summary

As the possibility of a fourth wave of COVID-19 looms, many Canadians are wondering whether or not mandatory vaccines will be implemented. Would vaccine passports help curb more restrictions? How will employers and employees navigate vaccinations without government intervention?

Jon Pinkus, a Toronto employment lawyer and Partner at Samfiru Tumarkin LLP joins Global News with Sean O’Shea to answer these questions and more.

Interview Notes

What are the potential issues without government legislation regarding vaccines?

Learn More
How to respond if your boss pressures you to get the COVID-19 vaccine

Despite good intentions and the possibility of another wave of COVID-19, employers cannot force employees to be vaccinated. Employers who have chosen to do so, without the support of their provincial and federal government, could have wrongful dismissal suits filed against them. Federally regulated businesses that do decide on mandatory vaccines, unfortunately, create a patchwork system of vaccinations. For example, in a building with both federal and private employers, there will inevitably be a mix of both vaccinated and unvaccinated individuals. The only way forward is for the government to either legislate vaccines for everyone or not at all.