Ford Says Health Care Workers Won't Be Forced To Get Vaccinated But He Encourages It
"I think it's their constitutional right to take it or not take it."
Premier Doug Ford confirmed in a press conference on July 15 that health care workers will not be required to receive a COVID-19 vaccine. However, the premier is still encouraging people to get a vaccine.
When asked if health care workers would be required to be vaccinated, Ford said, "I think it's their constitutional right to take it or not take it."
"These are super bright people that work their backs off, the unsung heroes, as I say, the PSWs, the nurses and the docs. You know they understand healthcare a lot better than I do. So we encourage them to do it. I've been out here for months begging, pleading everyone to get it."
"But no one should be forced to do anything," Ford concluded.
Ford went on to stress that he and the people present at the press conference were "double vaxxed" and that for whatever reason, health or otherwise, the decision is "up to the people."
In the conference, Ford also mentioned that the province wouldn't be implementing vaccine passports.
"No we aren't doing it, simple as that, and we're just going to move forward. Now, if it's federal, and it's getting across the border, that's up to the federal government." Ford said. "The answer is no, we're not going to do it, we're not going to have a split society."
Health Canada has a robust website with all the latest information on COVID-19 vaccines and can answer any questions you may have.