Human Rights Commission monitoring Manitoba's release of immunization cards
The Manitoba Human Rights Commission said it is monitoring the province’s release of immunization cards to ensure that government, employers, and service and housing providers use these cards in a way that complies with human rights obligations.
The commission released a statement on Thursday, noting it is also reminding these groups to respect human rights when it comes to vaccination requirements, mandatory vaccine policies and vaccination incentives.
The commission notes that requiring people to provide proof of vaccination to access employment, public services, or housing could result in discrimination based on disability, religious beliefs, political beliefs, social disadvantages and age. These grounds are all protected under the Human Rights Code.
It adds that it can also negatively impact people who can’t equitably access vaccinations and other public health resources due to certain disadvantages, such as poverty. The commission said that if people are also required to show valid photo identification with their proof of vaccination, it can magnify barriers in accessing photo identification.
“The Commission is also mindful that imposing identification requirements can result in adverse effects for communities that are more disproportionately impacted by carding, profiling or other identification requirements, such as Black, Indigenous and people of colour and people with disabilities,” it said in its statement.
The Manitoba Human Rights Commission said if mandatory vaccine and vaccine identification requirements are put in place, it must be justifiable.
To be permissible under human rights law, a mandatory vaccine and vaccine card requirement need to satisfy the standards set out by the Supreme Court of Canada, which include:
- The requirement has a rational connection to employment or provision of service;
- The requirement be adopted in an honest and good faith belief that it is necessary on the fulfillment of an employment or service-related purpose; and
- The requirement is reasonably necessary for the purpose of service provision.
“The requirement for mandatory vaccination, or the imposition of vaccination identification or incentives has implications for both direct and indirect forms of discrimination for Code-protected groups,” the commission said.
“Such a requirement could result in denials of service or employment for individuals who for Code-related reasons cannot participate in vaccination and the exacerbation of barriers to equity for individuals who experience structural disadvantage. Governments, employers, service and housing providers should exercise extreme caution in imposing any requirements or programs.”
CTV Winnipeg has reached out to the Manitoba government for comment.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Doctors say capital gains tax changes will jeopardize their retirement. Is that true?
The Canadian Medical Association asserts the Liberals' proposed changes to capital gains taxation will put doctors' retirement savings in jeopardy, but some financial experts insist incorporated professionals are not as doomed as they say they are.
Something in the water? Canadian family latest to spot elusive 'Loch Ness Monster'
For centuries, people have wondered what, if anything, might be lurking beneath the surface of Loch Ness in Scotland. When Canadian couple Parry Malm and Shannon Wiseman visited the Scottish highlands earlier this month with their two children, they didn’t expect to become part of the mystery.
Fair in Ontario, flurries in Labrador: Weather systems make for an erratic spring
It's no secret that spring can be a tumultuous time for Canadian weather, and as an unseasonably mild El Nino winter gives way to summer, there's bound to be a few swings in temperature that seem out of the ordinary. From Ontario to the Atlantic, though, this week is about to feel a little erratic.
What do weight loss drugs mean for a diet industry built on eating less and exercising more?
Recent injected drugs like Wegovy and its predecessor, the diabetes medication Ozempic, are reshaping the health and fitness industries.
He replaced Mickey Mantle. Now baseball's oldest living major leaguer is turning 100
The oldest living former major leaguer, Art Schallock turns 100 on Thursday and is being celebrated in the Bay Area and beyond as the milestone approaches.
What a urologist wants you to know about male infertility
When opposite sex couples are trying and failing to get pregnant, the attention often focuses on the woman. That’s not always the case.
'It was instant karma': Viral video captures failed theft attempt in Nanaimo, B.C.
Mounties in Nanaimo, B.C., say two late-night revellers are lucky their allegedly drunken antics weren't reported to police after security cameras captured the men trying to steal a heavy sign from a downtown business.
Bank of Canada officials split on when to start cutting interest rates
Members of the Bank of Canada's governing council were split on how long the central bank should wait before it starts cutting interest rates when they met earlier this month.
Made-in-Newfoundland vodka claims top prize at worldwide competition
A Newfoundland-made vodka has been named one of the world’s best by judges at this year’s World Vodka Awards.