Councillor wants advice on whether vaccine mandates represent 'oppression' of unvaccinated
Suggesting vaccination mandates could be perceived as oppression against the unvaccinated, Councillor Michael Van Holst wants his council colleagues to refer the issue to the Diversity, Inclusion, and Anti- Oppression Advisory Committee (DIAAC) at city hall.
"I think it would be worth having DIAAC consider those (mandates) and under what circumstances that would be a reasonable thing to do," he tells CTV News.
In a letter to council’s Strategic Priorities and Policy Committee (SPPC), Van Holst recommends getting a preemptive opinion about the potential oppression of three groups:
- those concerned about long term safety,
- a scientific control group,
- those seeking medical privacy
His letter states that with regard to mandating vaccination, “some will claim it to be an act of coercion and potentially oppression.”
"We’ve never been in a position where a medical treatment might be mandated by the city or a business," he adds.
City hall has not mandated vaccination to access municipal services or facilities in London.
Dr. Chris Mackie, Medical Officer of Health for London and Middlesex County has expressed support for requiring vaccination in high risk settings— with exemptions on medical, religious, or philosophical grounds.
Mayor Ed Holder rejects the premise of Van Holst’s letter.
"Dying is discriminatory because it limits everything else that you can do!" Mayor Holder fired back when asked about the letter. "I think what has to happen, as we have said consistently over the last months get your shot, (then) get your second shot."
Councillor Shawn Lewis says he also won’t vote refer the matter to the advisory committee— suggesting it’s a misleading distraction.
"Absolutely not. This is a health decision," explains Councillor Lewis. "This is a big red herring. I want to see as many Londoners vaccinated as soon as possible so we can take off these masks and get back to life as normal."
Regarding his personal opinion about vaccination Van Holst says, "I am comfortable with the idea of informed consent. So if people make the decision, that’s great so long as they have the information given to them about the consequences."
Van Holst’s letter is on the July 28 agenda of the SPPC meeting at city hall.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
NEW Keeping these exotic pets is 'cruel' and 'dangerous,' Canadian animal advocates say
Canadian pet owners are finding companionship beyond dogs and cats. Tigers, alligators, scorpions and tarantulas are among some of the exotic pets they are keeping in private homes, which pose risks to public safety and animal welfare, advocates say.
NEW Life got in the way of one woman's reunion with her father, but a DNA test gained her a family
Anne Marie Cavner was the closest she'd ever been to meeting her biological father, but then life dealt her a blow. From an unexpected loss to a host of new relationships, a DNA test changed her life, and she doesn't regret a thing.
Doctors ask Liberal government to reconsider capital gains tax change
The Canadian Medical Association is asking the federal government to reconsider its proposed changes to capital gains taxation, arguing it will affect doctors' retirement savings.
How quietly promised law changes in the 2024 federal budget could impact your day-to-day life
The 2024 federal budget released last week includes numerous big spending promises that have garnered headlines. But, tucked into the 416-page document are also series of smaller items, such as promising to amend the law regarding infant formula and to force banks to label government rebates, that you may have missed.
Quebec farmers have been protesting since December. Is anyone listening?
Upset about high interest rates, growing paperwork and heavy regulatory burdens, protesting farmers have become a familiar sight across Quebec since December.
'Catch-and-kill' strategy to be a focus as testimony resumes in Trump hush money case
A veteran tabloid publisher was expected to return to the witness stand Tuesday in Donald Trump's historic hush money trial.
Quebec Health Department reports 28 cases of eye damage linked to solar eclipse
Quebec's Health Department says it has received 28 reports of eye damage related to the April 8 total solar eclipse that passed over southern parts of the province.
Psychologist becomes first person in Peru to die by euthanasia after fighting in court for years
A Peruvian psychologist who suffered from an incurable disease that weakened her muscles and had her confined to her bed for several years, died by euthanasia, her lawyer said Monday, becoming the first person in the country to obtain the right to die with medical assistance.
Diver pinned under water by an alligator figured he had choice. Lose his arm or lose his life
An alligator attacked a diver on April 15 as he surfaced from his dive, nearly out of air. His tank emptied with the gator's jaws crushing the arm he put up in defence.