Lior Samfiru on being fired for refusing vaccination in Ottawa

As public health officials across Canada how the COVID-19 vaccinations will be implemented, many employers are looking forward to returning to a state of normalcy at their businesses. However, with discussions of COVID-19 vaccinations, concerns of employee rights have also arisen.

Toronto employment lawyer and partner Lior Samfiru at Samfiru Tumarkin LLP joins Bill Caroll on the Morning Rush on Newstalk 580 CFRA in Ottawa to explore the possible consequences employees will face if they refuse to be vaccinated as well as other questions on possibly mandating vaccines in the workplace.

What They Discussed

• Is there a simple answer to the question “can you be fired for refusing a COVID-19 vaccination?”
• Can an employer tell employees they cannot return to work if they are not vaccinated, but will have to continue working remotely?
• Are employers obligated to protect employees in the workplace who are high risk or vulnerable?
• Will employees in certain industries such as customer service roles, be subjected to different rules?
• What other complexities have the possibility of a vaccination illuminated in regards to health and safety in the workplace?
• Will I be entitled to severance if I am terminated by my employer for refusing a vaccination?