If the Vrebosch motion passes, Council will petition the North Bay Parry Sound District Health Unit and Dr. Jim Chirico as Medical Officer of Health to issue a Class Order adopting a local COVID-19 vaccination passport.
Coun. Bill Vrebosch and Deputy Mayor Tanya Vrebosch have come together to promote the adoption of a COVID-19 vaccination passport by North Bay’s administration, staff, and students – as well as for use throughout the district at large.
The motion states the Ontario government has failed to implement a vaccine passport program in Ontario despite early indications of success.
If passed, the motion will serve two functions. First, as a Council petition to North Bay Parry Sound District Health Unit and Medical Officer of Health Dr. Jim Chirico for them to issue a Class Order creating a local vaccination passport; and, secondly, as encouragement for neighboring health units to implement similar keys “to assist in consistent enforcement.”
Public health partners and government health officials recognize the significance and effectiveness of vaccines to protect citizens against COVID-19; as a result, public health partners propose that the implementation of mandatory vaccination and testing policies would result in an enhanced sense of security among City staff and citizens in their daily interactions with one another.
This motion also highlights the “importance of taking steps to protect our most vulnerable citizens, such as those with compromised immune systems or young children who do not yet qualify for vaccines.”
If the motion passes, the administration of North Bay would be directed to investigate and implement workplace policies related to COVID-19 vaccination and testing, as well as safeguards to ensure safe interactions between staff and citizens.
The administration would have until September’s end to provide Council with options.
North Bay City Council holds its regular committee and council meetings Tuesday, September 7, at 6:30 p.m.
Local Leaders Push for COVID-19 Vaccination Passport
Councilor Bill Vrebosch and Deputy Mayor Tanya Vrebosch jointly advocate for implementing a COVID-19 vaccination passport within North Bay’s administration and broader district. Their proposed motion addresses the Ontario government’s lack of action regarding its successful implementation elsewhere.
Petition the Health Unit for a Class Order
Should Vrebosch’s motion pass, North Bay City Council will petition the North Bay Parry Sound District Health Unit as well as Dr. Jim Chirico, Medical Officer of Health, to issue a Class Order that implements a COVID-19 vaccination passport program within its boundaries and ensures consistent enforcement and security measures throughout everyday interactions between City staff and citizens.
Recognizing the Importance of Vaccination, This motion seeks to identify the critical role vaccines play in protecting citizens against COVID-19, as recognized by public health partners and government health officials. By mandating vaccination and testing policies locally, local authorities aim to safeguard those most at risk within their community, such as immunocompromised individuals who cannot receive vaccination or young children who do not yet meet eligibility requirements for immunization.
Ensuring Workplace Safety
Should the motion receive support, the City of North Bay administration will be charged with exploring and implementing a COVID-19 vaccination and testing policy within its workforce to create a safer working environment for employees while encouraging secure interactions between staff members and citizens.
North Bay City Council has given its administration until September’s end to submit their report with feasible options for a vaccination passport and workplace policy to take prompt action and address current health challenges effectively. This deadline ensures quick action while showing its commitment.
Promote Consistency among Neighboring Health Units
Not only has the Council called for vaccination passports within their district, but their motion also encourages neighboring health units to consider adopting similar systems as a collaborative approach to responding to the pandemic. This approach aims to create a coordinated regional response.
Public Health Measures to Create a Safer Community
By supporting this motion, Council members aim to strengthen public health measures within their region. A vaccination passport would not only contain COVID-19 but also create an atmosphere where residents could engage in activities with increased confidence.
Building Trust in Vaccination
This proposed vaccination passport fits with ongoing efforts to increase public trust in vaccination programs. By showing their dedication to public health and safety, local leaders hope individuals hesitant about vaccination will take it more readily, contributing to community protection.
As the discussion around vaccination passports continues, the Council recognizes the significance of responding to any potential concerns raised by community members. Open forums and communication channels will be set up to listen to and collect feedback and suggestions from residents.
Collaboration With Health Experts
In developing and implementing its vaccination passport program, the Council plans on working closely with health experts and professionals. Their valuable insight will ensure that adopted measures align with current scientific evidence.
Learning From Successful Implementations
North Bay City Council’s motion emphasizes the success of vaccination passport systems implemented elsewhere. By learning from and adapting best practices from these success stories, North Bay can design a sustainable and effective local vaccination passport program.
Supporting Local Businesses
A vaccination passport system could assist local businesses and public venues to open safely once more, with clear guidelines regarding vaccination status allowing establishments to operate with reduced risks for increased consumer confidence.
Encourage Employee Vaccination
The City Administration’s initiative of providing COVID-19 vaccinations and testing through its policy may encourage more employees to vaccinate themselves against COVID-19, setting an example for other employers in the district.
Public-Private Collaboration
Collaboration is of utmost importance in creating a vaccination passport system. Local businesses, community organizations, and government agencies should work collaboratively toward its implementation and integration.
Addressing Privacy Concerns mes The Council recognizes the significance of safeguarding individuals’ privacy while implementing a vaccination passport system. Stringent measures will be implemented to ensure personal data is handled responsibly and safely.
Educational Campaigns for the Community
To support the adoption of a vaccination passport, the Council intends to launch educational campaigns. These initiatives will disseminate accurate information about vaccines while debunking any misconceptions or myths associated with them.
Consideration of Digital and Paper Passport Options
The Council will explore different formats for their vaccination passport, such as digital or paper versions, to meet other preferences and accessibility needs of their community members.
Anticipating Implementation Challenges
Anticipating potential challenges during implementation, the Council will develop contingency plans and strategies to manage any issues during this phase.
Staying Align With Evolving Guidelines
In light of the pandemic’s ever-evolving nature, Council’s motion stresses the significance of keeping up with evolving public health guidelines. Being flexible in approach will be vital in adapting to new information and recommendations that arise.
Setting a Positive Precedent
Should North Bay successfully implement its vaccination passport program, it could catalyze other municipalities and regions across Ontario to provide coordinated responses to pandemic threats. This effort may eventually result in greater effectiveness during times of pandemic pandemic.
