Question Period Note: Mandatory vaccination for supplier personnel

On October 6, 2021, the Government of Canada announced plans to require vaccination across the federal public service. The announcement also noted that “contracted personnel who require access to federal government worksites will also need to be vaccinated”.

Note: All questions related to the government-wide policy of mandatory vaccinations should be directed to the President of the Treasury Board

• Vaccination is one of the most effective tools we have at our disposal to protect public health in the face of COVID-19, and to prevent future outbreaks – and when used in combination with preventive public health measures – offers the best available protection for Canadians
  • The Government of Canada is leading by example on vaccination, beginning with vaccination requirements across the federal public service and federally regulated air, rail, and marine transportation sectors
  • In alignment with these important measures, since November 15, 2021, all contractors who access Government of Canada workplaces where they will encounter federal public servants also need to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19
  • The administration of this requirement is being handled by each department and agency that issues contracts. To assist with implementation, Public Services and Procurement Canada has developed guidance for Government of Canada contracting officials and suppliers

If pressed on compliance with the vaccination requirement:

• Public Services and Procurement Canada is working closely with federal departments and agencies to ensure suppliers are aware of, and respecting, this new requirement
• The Government of Canada is pursuing means to ensure compliance, up to and including contract terminations, with suppliers who do not comply with this requirement

If pressed on exemptions:

• The Government of Canada recognizes that some supplier personnel may not be able to get fully vaccinated, due to a medical contraindication or other prohibited grounds under human rights legislation
• Consistent with the approach being taken for government employees, requests for accommodation in accordance with the Canadian Human Rights Act will be considered
• Any accommodated personnel will be subject to appropriate mitigation measures, such as rapid testing, that are sufficient to ensure the health and safety of public servants

If pressed on if suppliers are complying with the certification requirement:

• To date, we have not encountered significant issues with compliance
• Public Services and Procurement Canada will continue outreach efforts to ensure all suppliers understand their obligations and meet the requirements

The new COVID-19 Vaccination Policy for Supplier Personnel requires that all personnel that a supplier provides on contracts who access Government of Canada workplaces where they may come into contact with public servants must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 since November 15, 2021. Suppliers are required to complete and submit a certification that they will comply with the vaccination requirement for existing contracts. Future contracts will include vaccination requirements in solicitation documents.

If a supplier is unwilling to provide the certification or is non-compliant with their certification, then the Government will pursue means to ensure compliance, up to and including contract terminations.

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