The Fort McMurray Catholic School District is making vaccination from COVID-19 mandatory for all employees.

The school board held a special meeting Oct 15th to discuss the matter.

“Provincial and federal health authorities advise that immunization is the most effective means to prevent the
spread of Covid-19, mitigate outbreaks, and protect ourselves and children who cannot yet be vaccinated,” said Board Chair Cathie Langmead.

“The Fort McMurray Catholic Board of Education will continue to assess reasonable measures that could be beneficial to the health and safety of our students and staff.”

All staff will be required to declare their COVID-19 immunization status to the Human Resources Department by October 29th, and must be fully vaccinated by December 20, 2021.

Employees who require an accommodation pursuant to a protected ground under the Alberta Human Rights Act or participate in a regular, rapid testing program that ensures they are not COVID-19 positive while in contact with students and other employees will be exempt.

“Fort McMurray Catholic Schools is committed to doing whatever we can in order to keep staff and students as safe as possible,” said Superintendent George McGuigan.

“Mandating vaccinations is another step in the layering of measures we have in place in our schools. We have exceptional staff who care deeply about our children. We will move forward together.”

The mandatory vaccination policy also applies to individuals who are in direct contact with students and/or employees inside schools within the division including independent contractors and volunteers.

Parents and students will not be required to be vaccinated.