Trustees with the Toronto District School Board have voted unanimously for the development of a mandatory COVID-19 vaccination procedure.

During this evening’s regular Board meeting, Trustees voted to have TDSB staff develop a procedure which would require all TDSB staff, Trustees, and visitors to disclose and provide proof of vaccination status and to be fully vaccinated to help protect the health and safety of both staff and students.

The procedure will address the following key areas:

• Individuals covered by the procedure are expected to submit a formal attestation if they are “fully vaccinated” against COVID-19 and provide proof of vaccination.
• Individuals who have not been vaccinated will be required to attend mandatory education on the benefits of vaccination.
• A schedule for dates by which point any unvaccinated individuals must disclose if they have received first and second doses of the COVID-19 vaccines.
• TDSB will comply with its human rights obligations and accommodate employees who are legally entitled to accommodation.
• That the finalized procedure and strategy be implemented prior to school re-opening on September 9, 2021, if feasible, or as soon as possible thereafter.
• That the procedure contemplate where regular COVID-19 testing would be required.

Trustees also voted to have the Chair write a letter to Toronto’s Medical Officer of Health, Ontario’s Chief Medical Officer of Health, and the Minister of Education reiterating the board’s support of the Ontario Public School Boards’ Association’s statement advocating that COVID-19 vaccinations be added to the list of compulsory vaccinations for all eligible students.

Quick Facts

• TDSB staff will now develop a procedure, including specific details with regard to implementation, mandatory education and enforcement.

“The data is clear — being fully vaccinated significantly reduces the risks of the most serious outcomes of COVID-19. This is an important step to ensure we are making our schools and workplaces as safe as possible for staff and students — particularly younger students who are not eligible to receive the vaccine.”

- Alexander Brown, Chair, TDSB