After a long discussion, Chatham-Kent council voted in favour to suspend the mandatory vaccination and testing policy for councillors and those who sit on municipal boards and committees on Monday night.
The vote was close—9-7 in favour of suspending the policy.
Councillor Conor Allin, who brought in the motion, said it’s time to move on from the policy, which many councillors agreed with.
Councillor Jamie McGrail said she wanted council to move forward in suspending the policy.
“It is not voting for who is right, who is wrong, it’s for moving forward and getting through this together.”
Councillor Rhonda Jubenville said while councillors have to be vaccinated or be tested, visitors to council, such as media or staff, do not have to be vaccinated or tested to come into council chambers.
“The existing vaccination policy for councillors and committee members is flawed and outdated…and needs to be terminated,” Jubenville said.
Earlier this year the municipality suspended their mandatory vaccination and testing policy for employees other than for new hires.
Wallaceburg Coun. Carmen McGregor put forth an unsuccessful motion, which fell in a 8-8 vote, asking to postpone Allin’s motion until the staff policy is suspended in its entirety.
Administration said they will review the policy next month and make a decision to suspend it or keep it.
Councillor Jubenville gave a notice of motion asking that council suspend the remainder of the vaccination and testing policy that still applies to new hires.
The motion will be discussed at an upcoming council meeting.
