Despite the lifting of many public health orders around vaccine passports and public masking, millions of Canadians are still facing roadblocks both personally and professionally..Although most provinces have announced the removal of vaccine passports and masking, some federal mandates remain..The Treasury Board of Canada, overseeing federal public servants, last fall announced as of November 15, all federal workers would require proof of vaccination as a condition of continued employment or face being put on administrative leave without pay..This included staff who work remotely and contracted personnel who require access to government worksites. This policy is still in place for federal workers..Federal mandates, since November 30, have also restricted travel by airplane, train or cruise ship for Canadians who cannot show proof of vaccination..Although many post-secondary institutions in Alberta and across Canada have announced students and staff will no longer be required to show proof of vaccination, medical students are struggling to complete their training as the majority of medical facilities, both public and private, are still requiring vaccine passports..Alberta Health Services(AHS) updated its vaccination policy last week allowing all previous unvaccinated AHS workers to return to work without the need for COVID-19 testing or proof of vaccination..However, any new AHS hires after November 30 will need to be fully vaccinated as a requirement for employment..The new policy also applies to all medical students moving into residency placements at AHS-run facilities and many private-sector clinics..And, although vaccine passports have been lifted by provincial governments, provinces have left the decision up to private businesses and corporations nationwide as to whether employees will need to continue to show proof of vaccination..Mark Krebs is an oilfield electrician and has worked in Alberta’s oil and gas sector for 17 years. Krebs did not indicate whether he is vaccinated or not to the Western Standard, but said he has not been willing to show proof of vaccination..Krebs said he was recently called to Imperial Oil’s Kearl Lake site, north of Fort McMurray. Before heading to the site, Krebs was required to spend a day completing orientation training and was never told there was a vaccination policy on site..“I drove the seven hours up there and was turned away at the gate,” said Krebs..“Meg Energy at Christina Lake near Conklin, Alberta, on the other hand, only requires rapid test at the gate. “.But, because proof of vaccination is still required to travel, he is unable to utilize the fly-in-fly-out option to access the remote site location..Krebs said he has been finding work sporadically but nothing consistent..“I just got three job offers in Ontario but I can’t fly back and forth for the work, which would likely be full-time and permanent,” said Krebs..“I’ve built my life here, my home is here, but I may have to consider leaving the province to find work.”.An employee who has asked to remain anonymous to avoid negative recourse from his employer said he and hundreds of other workers with Imperial Oil have been on unpaid leave since the company adopted a proof-of-vaccination policy..The worker said many of the changes at his site, and in the industry as a whole, due to the testing and vaccination policies have “mentally and physically affected thousands of employees” through the pandemic..“Employees have been bullied, coerced or forced to take a vaccine or lose their job,” said the worker..“These huge corporations are flexing their muscles on the heels of our government-forced mandates and now we have corporations flexing their control on their employees.”.Derek From, an Airdrie lawyer with Warnock Kraft Anderson, told the Western Standard he believes the list of grievances is long for Canadians who are choosing to continue to protest..From said he has represented over 100 clients who have struggled because of the mandates..“Children have been kept out of school, recreational activities, birthday parties and other social events. University students have missed significant portions of their educational experience,” he said..“Businesses have closed due to government lockdowns and people have been laid off for the same reason. Others have been dismissed for not submitting to an unwanted medical treatment while many others regret succumbing to the pressure to submit.”.“The State has intruded into their homes, their churches, their social clubs and upset the financial stability of the banking system.”.From also pointed to federal mandates still restricting millions of Canadians from travel..“Their finances have suffered, and social networks have suffered. They’ve been forced to hide behind masks, forego family holidays traditions and cultural events. Their physical and mental health has suffered and the list goes on.”.“So what could these people possibly be protesting?” said From..“The ignorance of failing to acknowledge the harm suffered by many Albertans is, quite frankly, staggering and appalling in its vast stupidity.”.“If you weren’t personally affected, you are ‘privileged’ in the modern pejorative sense. And you are a fool if you believe that the past is not a precedent for the future.”.From said he is thankful for Albertans who “sacrifice their time to draw attention to the many harms suffered” through the pandemic..Lawyer Katherine Kowalchuk with Calgary law firm Getz Collins and Associates agrees with From and said there is still “a great deal to be concerned about” when it comes to lingering mandates..“These mandates have developed a culture that calls for constant discrimination against individuals,” said Kowalchuk..“Alberta courts are continuing with masking and vaccination policy to protect the vulnerable, yet they have provided no evidence for their reasoning.”.“The premier allows private businesses to set their own rules which is problematic and continues to lead to discriminatory practices further traumatizing our society”.“If the government sees fit to lift the mandates, it should apply to everyone. Until governments are prepared to create laws that prohibit private companies from developing their own discriminatory policies, we will continue to be divided and healing won’t occur.”.James Kitchen, a civil litigation lawyer in Calgary, said he is still supporting clients from several public and private sector companies including oil and gas workers, government and pharmaceutical employees, those working for regulatory bodies that oversee different medical practices, students and healthcare workers..“These rules have been brought about in an ad-hoc way, both in the private and public sectors, with no rhyme or reason,” said Kitchen..“Some of these companies are inviting employees back and doing some testing of the waters to see whether people plan to come back.”.Kitchen said he believes there was political motivation to remove the few “impactful and visible mandates,” but said it’s a “tiny tip of a huge iceberg.”.“People who have been too trusting of the government, or perhaps those living in fear from all the propaganda, have been easily satisfied with the government announcing the dropping of these publicized mandates. But in reality, very few have actually been lifted,” said Kitchen..“These people just don’t get it. They likely went out and got the shot for whatever their reasoning and they just don’t pay attention or they don’t understand what the rest of the world is dealing with.”.Jeff Rath, of Rath & Company, said he and others with his firm have also supported many clients, especially employees in healthcare and oil and gas..“We still have employers firing employees for not wanting to take an injection of a vaccine that has been proven not to work,” said Rath..“People are still being punished and can’t get on a plane. They are prisoners in Trudeau’s Canada,” he said calling Trudeau a “despicable human being.”.Rath said he is working on a class-action lawsuit he plans to file against the government of Alberta for what he called its “incompetent management of the pandemic” which led to “mass economic hardship” for many small businesses and individuals..“AHS is still demanding young nurses and doctors get vaccinated against COVID-19 with a vaccine that doesn’t work to prevent the spread, comes with nine pages of side effects and is still experimental,” said Rath..Rath said although he has not met anyone who has suffered myocarditis — an inflammation of the heart muscle — from contracting COVID-19, he personally knows of more than a dozen people who have suffered from the condition due to the vaccine..“Why would any young man expose himself to the risks of myocarditis when the risks associated with COVID are so low for them,” said Rath..The Western Standard contacted the Office of the Ministry of Energy, the body that regulates Alberta’s oil and gas sector, and was provided this statement from ministry spokesperson Alex Puddifant:.“Private sector companies set their own policies in regards to their employees and their own circumstances, just as the Government of Alberta does for the public service.” .The Western Standard contacted Imperial Oil, Keyera Corp. and CNRL several times for comment on their vaccination policies and any plans they may have to update those policies but did not hear back from either..Melanie Risdon is a reporter with the Western Standard.,.mrisdon@westernstandardonline.com
Despite the lifting of many public health orders around vaccine passports and public masking, millions of Canadians are still facing roadblocks both personally and professionally..Although most provinces have announced the removal of vaccine passports and masking, some federal mandates remain..The Treasury Board of Canada, overseeing federal public servants, last fall announced as of November 15, all federal workers would require proof of vaccination as a condition of continued employment or face being put on administrative leave without pay..This included staff who work remotely and contracted personnel who require access to government worksites. This policy is still in place for federal workers..Federal mandates, since November 30, have also restricted travel by airplane, train or cruise ship for Canadians who cannot show proof of vaccination..Although many post-secondary institutions in Alberta and across Canada have announced students and staff will no longer be required to show proof of vaccination, medical students are struggling to complete their training as the majority of medical facilities, both public and private, are still requiring vaccine passports..Alberta Health Services(AHS) updated its vaccination policy last week allowing all previous unvaccinated AHS workers to return to work without the need for COVID-19 testing or proof of vaccination..However, any new AHS hires after November 30 will need to be fully vaccinated as a requirement for employment..The new policy also applies to all medical students moving into residency placements at AHS-run facilities and many private-sector clinics..And, although vaccine passports have been lifted by provincial governments, provinces have left the decision up to private businesses and corporations nationwide as to whether employees will need to continue to show proof of vaccination..Mark Krebs is an oilfield electrician and has worked in Alberta’s oil and gas sector for 17 years. Krebs did not indicate whether he is vaccinated or not to the Western Standard, but said he has not been willing to show proof of vaccination..Krebs said he was recently called to Imperial Oil’s Kearl Lake site, north of Fort McMurray. Before heading to the site, Krebs was required to spend a day completing orientation training and was never told there was a vaccination policy on site..“I drove the seven hours up there and was turned away at the gate,” said Krebs..“Meg Energy at Christina Lake near Conklin, Alberta, on the other hand, only requires rapid test at the gate. “.But, because proof of vaccination is still required to travel, he is unable to utilize the fly-in-fly-out option to access the remote site location..Krebs said he has been finding work sporadically but nothing consistent..“I just got three job offers in Ontario but I can’t fly back and forth for the work, which would likely be full-time and permanent,” said Krebs..“I’ve built my life here, my home is here, but I may have to consider leaving the province to find work.”.An employee who has asked to remain anonymous to avoid negative recourse from his employer said he and hundreds of other workers with Imperial Oil have been on unpaid leave since the company adopted a proof-of-vaccination policy..The worker said many of the changes at his site, and in the industry as a whole, due to the testing and vaccination policies have “mentally and physically affected thousands of employees” through the pandemic..“Employees have been bullied, coerced or forced to take a vaccine or lose their job,” said the worker..“These huge corporations are flexing their muscles on the heels of our government-forced mandates and now we have corporations flexing their control on their employees.”.Derek From, an Airdrie lawyer with Warnock Kraft Anderson, told the Western Standard he believes the list of grievances is long for Canadians who are choosing to continue to protest..From said he has represented over 100 clients who have struggled because of the mandates..“Children have been kept out of school, recreational activities, birthday parties and other social events. University students have missed significant portions of their educational experience,” he said..“Businesses have closed due to government lockdowns and people have been laid off for the same reason. Others have been dismissed for not submitting to an unwanted medical treatment while many others regret succumbing to the pressure to submit.”.“The State has intruded into their homes, their churches, their social clubs and upset the financial stability of the banking system.”.From also pointed to federal mandates still restricting millions of Canadians from travel..“Their finances have suffered, and social networks have suffered. They’ve been forced to hide behind masks, forego family holidays traditions and cultural events. Their physical and mental health has suffered and the list goes on.”.“So what could these people possibly be protesting?” said From..“The ignorance of failing to acknowledge the harm suffered by many Albertans is, quite frankly, staggering and appalling in its vast stupidity.”.“If you weren’t personally affected, you are ‘privileged’ in the modern pejorative sense. And you are a fool if you believe that the past is not a precedent for the future.”.From said he is thankful for Albertans who “sacrifice their time to draw attention to the many harms suffered” through the pandemic..Lawyer Katherine Kowalchuk with Calgary law firm Getz Collins and Associates agrees with From and said there is still “a great deal to be concerned about” when it comes to lingering mandates..“These mandates have developed a culture that calls for constant discrimination against individuals,” said Kowalchuk..“Alberta courts are continuing with masking and vaccination policy to protect the vulnerable, yet they have provided no evidence for their reasoning.”.“The premier allows private businesses to set their own rules which is problematic and continues to lead to discriminatory practices further traumatizing our society”.“If the government sees fit to lift the mandates, it should apply to everyone. Until governments are prepared to create laws that prohibit private companies from developing their own discriminatory policies, we will continue to be divided and healing won’t occur.”.James Kitchen, a civil litigation lawyer in Calgary, said he is still supporting clients from several public and private sector companies including oil and gas workers, government and pharmaceutical employees, those working for regulatory bodies that oversee different medical practices, students and healthcare workers..“These rules have been brought about in an ad-hoc way, both in the private and public sectors, with no rhyme or reason,” said Kitchen..“Some of these companies are inviting employees back and doing some testing of the waters to see whether people plan to come back.”.Kitchen said he believes there was political motivation to remove the few “impactful and visible mandates,” but said it’s a “tiny tip of a huge iceberg.”.“People who have been too trusting of the government, or perhaps those living in fear from all the propaganda, have been easily satisfied with the government announcing the dropping of these publicized mandates. But in reality, very few have actually been lifted,” said Kitchen..“These people just don’t get it. They likely went out and got the shot for whatever their reasoning and they just don’t pay attention or they don’t understand what the rest of the world is dealing with.”.Jeff Rath, of Rath & Company, said he and others with his firm have also supported many clients, especially employees in healthcare and oil and gas..“We still have employers firing employees for not wanting to take an injection of a vaccine that has been proven not to work,” said Rath..“People are still being punished and can’t get on a plane. They are prisoners in Trudeau’s Canada,” he said calling Trudeau a “despicable human being.”.Rath said he is working on a class-action lawsuit he plans to file against the government of Alberta for what he called its “incompetent management of the pandemic” which led to “mass economic hardship” for many small businesses and individuals..“AHS is still demanding young nurses and doctors get vaccinated against COVID-19 with a vaccine that doesn’t work to prevent the spread, comes with nine pages of side effects and is still experimental,” said Rath..Rath said although he has not met anyone who has suffered myocarditis — an inflammation of the heart muscle — from contracting COVID-19, he personally knows of more than a dozen people who have suffered from the condition due to the vaccine..“Why would any young man expose himself to the risks of myocarditis when the risks associated with COVID are so low for them,” said Rath..The Western Standard contacted the Office of the Ministry of Energy, the body that regulates Alberta’s oil and gas sector, and was provided this statement from ministry spokesperson Alex Puddifant:.“Private sector companies set their own policies in regards to their employees and their own circumstances, just as the Government of Alberta does for the public service.” .The Western Standard contacted Imperial Oil, Keyera Corp. and CNRL several times for comment on their vaccination policies and any plans they may have to update those policies but did not hear back from either..Melanie Risdon is a reporter with the Western Standard.,.mrisdon@westernstandardonline.com
