Suspension of mandatory vaccination for federal government employees

June 15, 2022 -  Defence Stories

On 14 June 2022, the Government of Canada announced that it is suspending the mandatory COVID-19 vaccination for federal employees.

As of 20 June, 2022:

• Employees who were subject to administrative leave without pay (LWOP), as a result of the vaccination policy, may resume regular work duties with pay. Those employees will be contacted by their managers to arrange their return to regular work duties. 
• Managers who have employees on administrative LWOP due to the policy will be contacted directly by HR. Reporting relationships may have changed and we might not always get the message to the correct section 34 manager. If, for any reason, a manager has an employee on LWOP due to the policy and hasn’t received communication by 16 June 2022, please reach out to HR Connect RH (accessible only on the National Defence network) at 1-833-747-6363.
• Accommodation measures that were put in place as a result of the vaccination policy, including consideration of outstanding requests, will end.

Similarly, the vaccination requirement for contractors and supplier personnel accessing federal government workplaces will also be suspended.

Identified employees and managers are still required to complete their verification and audit process to ensure follow-through on the obligations of the Policy, confidence in the validity of the attestations, and equity amongst employees.

The CAF is currently assessing the need for an amendment to the CDS Directives on COVID-19 Vaccination. It is our intent to continue to maintain a safe working environment, while remaining ready to conduct CAF operations in support of Canadians at home and around the world.  In the meantime, the CDS Directives remain in effect until further notice.

The pandemic is not over yet and there is still the possibility of future resurgence of cases or a new variant of concern. Vaccination continues to be one of the most effective tools to protect Canadians, including younger Canadians, our health care system, and our economy. Nearly 90% of eligible Canadians have been vaccinated against COVID-19 and rates of case counts, hospitalization, and deaths are decreasing. To keep the cases down, everyone in Canada needs to keep up to date with recommended COVID-19 vaccines, including booster doses to get ready for the fall.

The government will continue to closely monitor domestic and international scientific evidence to assess the need for additional public health measures, including the possible reintroduction of vaccination mandates. 

If you have any questions, please contact HR Connect RH (accessible only on the National Defence network) at 1-833-747-6363 or your local Health and Safety Officer.

Additional information, such as updated FAQs, will be provided in the near future.

Useful links:

• Information for Government of Canada employees: Coronavirus disease (COVID-19)
• Coronavirus disease (COVID-19): Outbreak update

Mental health resources:

For public service employees and their families requiring support during this time, there are a number of services available to you: 

• Employee Assistance Program, 1-800-268-7708
• EAP Peer Advisors: Call 1-833-747-6363 to be connected with a readily available colleague who can provide confidential active-listening skills and resources to employees in need.
• LifeSpeak: A web-based service that offers free confidential access to hundreds of short videos by experts on a variety issues.

CAF members and their families in need of assistance can access:

• the Member Assistance Program at 1-800-268-7708; or

the Family Information Line at 1-800-866-4546.