A petition aiming to raise support for the removal of Saskatchewan Teachers’ Federation (STF) president Patrick Maze for pushing for mandatory vaccine policy on students has mysteriously vanished, according to the author of the petition..Mallory Fiderko, along with the help of others, started the petition after the STF and medical health officers of Saskatchewan (MHOs) requested the provincial government make COVID-19 vaccinations mandatory for students 12 and older to attend in-person learning..In October, a letter was drafted and signed by 21 medical officers and sent to the provincial government..“In order to keep schools open, we need to make them safer. Proof of vaccination should be required for accessing in-person learning for children 12 years and older, and for households of those under 12 who cannot be immunized yet,” said the letter..“It should also be required for teachers and staff in all schools and daycare facilities.”.STF President Patrick Maze also agrees with making vaccinations mandatory for children to attend school for in-person learning..“You have a right to an education, but not a right to attend school,” said Maze..“We will still give you an education, but if you’re choosing to be unvaccinated, then we may offer that education online because you’re putting people at risk.”.The Western Standard covered the story on Thursday and at the time, the petition was active with 2,844 signatures, although oddly, all references to Patrick Maze’s name and position had been removed from the petition..One of the authors — who has not identified themself — who assisted Fedirko in creating the petition contacted the Western Standard Friday morning to report the change.org petition had been removed from Fedirko’s account..“She did not ask for it to be removed and has not received any notification that our petition was in any way a breach of their policy,” said the unnamed author..“She has submitted several inquires to their support desk and has not received a response.”.Before it was pulled, it stated the petition’s goal was to see Maze “unseated from his position” for his request to “impose mandated vaccinations for all youth attending school in Saskatchewan.” .“His personal opinions have compromised his integrity as the leader of a governing body. He no longer serves as an unbiased voice for the teachers and students of this province and has no medical jurisdiction to make health decisions on behalf of them,” said the petition..The author confirmed the petition before it was pulled on Thursday had “close to 4,000 signatures.”.“The petition was launched with the intent and in support of staff and students in Saskatchewan.”.The Saskatchewan government says it doesn’t intend to make COVID-19 vaccinations mandatory for children to attend in-person learning in provincial schools..“I justify it because the staff and teachers are employees of the school divisions. The students are provincial students,” said Education Minister Dustin Duncan..“They are minors and they have a right to an education.”.Melanie Risdon is a reporter with the Western Standard.,.mrisdon@westernstandardonline.com
