Disagreement over mandatory vaccines creates rift between Toronto Police Service, police association
Toronto Police Association president releases statement that the organization does not support mandatory vaccination announcement or mandatory disclosure
www.theglobeandmail.com
Canada’s largest municipal police force announced it will require all of its members to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19, giving them until mid-September to prove their immunization status and sparking conflict with the officers’ association, which objects to a mandatory policy.
Toronto Police Service Chief James Ramer said in a statement on Tuesday that his force’s vaccine mandate, which will apply to both officers and civilian employees, aims “to protect each other and the communities we serve.”
“The Service has an obligation to ensure a safe workplace for TPS members and the public,” the statement said. “This is a primary commitment for the Service, as it has been throughout the pandemic.”
But Jon Reid, president of the Toronto Police Association, which represents officers, released a statement later in the day saying he “does not support this mandatory vaccination announcement or mandatory disclosure.”