Grande Prairie City Council endorsed a vaccination and rapid testing administrative policy presented by Administration that complies with guidance from healthcare experts while providing flexible options for all employees to remain engaged and productive as a valued part of the City’s workforce.

The policy was created after assessing the ongoing impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on other organizations that have implemented a similar policy.

Under the policy, City staff are to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 or provide a negative rapid COVID-19 test every 72 hours effective January 17, 2022. Rapid tests will be provided by the City for the first three months, at which time the situation will be re-evaluated.

Employees choosing to vaccinate must receive their first dose by November 30, 2021 and their final dose by December 30, 2021 to be considered fully vaccinated by January 17, 2022.

Council made the following amendments to the policy during the Council Committee of the Whole meeting:

• Apply the policy to Council members
• Make the eligibility of rapid testing available to new employees in addition to existing employees

Additionally, Council directed administration to provide an update to Council at the end of January 2022 and at the end of quarter one in 2022.

During the policy development process, the City sought the opinions of experts in the areas of Human Rights, Charter of Rights and Freedoms, OHS Liabilities, Privacy, Bill S-201: Genetic Non-Discrimination Act, Employment Risks, and Civil Liabilities. As a result, the policy considers the many requirements from each area and provides a balanced solution for City employees.

As of September 21, 77% of City Staff were fully vaccinated against COVID-19.

The City of Grande Prairie continues to monitor the COVID-19 pandemic and its ongoing impact on the community, City staff, and operations.