Van Holst may seek Human Rights exemption to council’s COVID-19 vaccination policy
City Councillor Michael Van Holst fired a warning shot about a proposed COVID-19 vaccine mandate for politicians at London city hall.
During Tuesday’s council meeting, Van Holst said he would seek an exemption based on Human Rights grounds.
“I see it as a violation of my own belief system, which I haven’t shared publicly, but I will do so in the form of a creed that can be used as a human rights exemption,” he told his council colleagues.
While not offering other details about his ‘creed’, he added that it would be open to people seeking an exemption, “I will offer it to others to adopt as well.”
On September 10, civic administration unveiled a tougher version of its COVID-19 vaccination policy for municipal employees, contractors, consultants, and volunteers.
By September 29, the policy requires either:
- proof of double vaccination for COVID-19
- a written attestation of either a medical or Human Rights exemption
At its meeting, council voted 12-1, Van Holst opposed, directing staff to report back as soon as possible with a similar policy for all 15 members of council.
Deputy Mayor Josh Morgan suggested Van Holst’s opposition is premature, having not seen the policy yet.
He says that it’s not intended to single out a member of council.
“It has to do with equity for me,” adds Morgan. “With city hall’s administrative policy applying to all staff under the banner of health and safety, there is no reason why councillors who work in the same building should not have the same policy applied to them.”
Van Holst said he is also concerned, for scientific reasons, that a control group of unvaccinated people be maintained.
“I may look to create such a group of volunteers who wants to be part of that, because I think it would be the responsible thing to do scientifically.”
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer denied bail after being charged with killing Canadian couple
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer, one of two men charged in the killings of a Canadian couple in Dominica, has been denied bail.
Health Canada to change sperm donor screening rules for men who have sex with men
Health Canada will change its longstanding policy restricting gay and bisexual men from donating to sperm banks in Canada, CTV News has learned. The federal health agency has adopted a revised directive removing the ban on gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men, effective May 8.
Nearly half of China's major cities are sinking, researchers say
Nearly half of China's major cities are suffering 'moderate to severe' levels of subsidence, putting millions at risk of flooding especially as sea levels rise.
Judge says 'no evidence fully supports' murder case against Umar Zameer as jury starts deliberations
The judge presiding over the trial of a man accused of fatally running over a Toronto police officer is telling jurors the possible verdicts they may reach based on the evidence in the case.
Sports columnist apologizes for 'oafish' comments directed at Caitlin Clark. The controversy isn't over
A male columnist has apologized for a cringeworthy moment during former University of Iowa superstar and college basketball's highest scorer Caitlin Clark's first news conference as an Indiana Fever player.
Prince Harry formally confirms he is now a U.S. resident
Prince Harry, the son of King Charles III and fifth in line to the British throne, has formally confirmed he is now a U.S. resident.
'Shopaholic' author Sophie Kinsella reveals brain cancer diagnosis
Sophie Kinsella, the best-selling author behind the 'Shopaholic' book series, has revealed that she is receiving treatment for brain cancer.
LeBlanc says he plans to run in next election, under Trudeau's leadership
Cabinet minister Dominic LeBlanc says he plans to run in the next election as a candidate under Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's leadership, amid questions about his rumoured interest in succeeding his longtime friend for the top job.
U.S. vetoes widely supported resolution backing full UN membership for Palestine
The United States vetoed a widely backed UN resolution Thursday that would have paved the way for full United Nations membership for Palestine, a goal the Palestinians have long sought and Israel has worked to prevent.