Bill Aimed at Preventing Future COVID Vaccine Mandates Begins Second Reading

People walk past a vaccine clinic during the COVID-19 pandemic in Mississauga, Ont., on April 13, 2022. The Canadian Press/Nathan Denette

A Conservative-led bill that aims to prevent the introduction of future COVID-19 vaccine mandates began its second reading in Parliament on June 20.

“For those who made different personal medical choices, the government made them outcasts in their own communities, firing them from jobs, banning them from travelling, and ostracizing them from their friends,” said Conservative MP Dean Allison, who sponsored the private member’s bill.

“Canadians should have the freedom to make personal health decisions for themselves, without social and economic threats from the government. They have the freedom to do so, a freedom that should never, ever be cast aside again.”

Bill C-278, or “An Act to prevent the imposition by the federal government of vaccination mandates for employment and travel,” proposes amendments to the Financial Administration Act, Canadian Labour Code, Aeronautics Act, Railway Safety Act, and Canadian Shipping Act 2001 to ensure that receiving a COVID-19 vaccine cannot be a condition of employment in federal sectors.

The bill also prohibits Canadians from being denied travel on aircraft, trains, or vessels solely based on COVID-19 vaccination status.

Bill C-278 was originally introduced by Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre in June 2o22 when he was running for leadership of the party, and subsequently taken up by Allison. Poilievre said at that time that COVID-19 vaccine mandates were “nothing more than a cruel attempt to demonize a small minority” and that the legislation was being tabled to “give Canadians back control of their lives.”

Liberals and NDP Signal Opposition

Liberal MP Mark Gerretsen said the government would be opposed to the bill, saying it does not “respect the will of Canadians.” The MP said that many courts have struck down challenges to vaccine mandates on the basis of charter rights, and said it would be “wise” for Allison to note that the courts were “not in favour of what this member would probably like to have seen.”

Gerretsen also said COVID-19 vaccine mandates were “some of the most influential policies the government created” and that they led to Canada’s success against COVID-19 compared to other countries.

NDP MP Bonita Zarrillo said the party supports public health decisions and laws that are “grounded in scientific research and data rather than being influenced by political rhetoric or ideology.” She said that Bill C-278 would only target COVID-19-related vaccine requirements.

“The potential ramifications of this legislation have not been duly investigated, and at a time when health organizations and experts have already called for an end to the vaccination exemption, this bill is not aligned with reality,” she said.

Conservative MP Marilyn Gladu said in the House of Commons on June 20 that the bill is a “chance to take a sober second look at the outcome and aftermath of the pandemic.”

“While it can be argued that the vaccines helped many, the way that the government mandated their use in certain areas cannot be repeated,” she said.