August 2021, Acting Chief of the Defence Staff associate deputy minister and deputy minister COVID-19 vaccination and d and d C A F workplace safety. Enclosed is a briefing note to inform you on the latest developments regarding the federal COVID-19 vaccination policy in advance of the one September 2021 diem level meeting on this initiative. This briefing note incorporates details from the public health rationale that was drafted by the Public Health Agency of Canada and considerations for the application of a proof of vaccination policy to the defense team. It notes distinct differences in the application of the Canadian Armed Forces and identifies the success that we have had to date with our voluntary COVID-19 vaccine campaign. By TJ Kaddu, Major General Director of Staff
the intent of this bn is to inform the ACDS associate DM and DM on the latest developments regarding the federal COVID-19 vaccination policy and the implications of the Department of National Defense and the Canadian Armed Forces. Recent modeling suggests that due to the higher transmissibility of the Delta variant of concern and predicted increases in contacts as reopening strategies continue. The fourth wave presents an elevated risk of increased hospitalizations and the potential for healthcare capacity to be exceeded when compared to previous waves of the COVID 19 pandemic and Canada. Public health measures such as shuttering of businesses, school closures, cancellations of non elective surgeries and procedures, wearing of non medical masks, hand washing and social distancing have been effective in flattening the curve of new cases. However, their use has greatly impacted the economy, the general functioning of society, other health issues and children. As a result, these measures are viewed as unsustainable in the long term.
It is forecasted that 80% or more of all eligible groups in Canada would need to be fully vaccinated to mitigate the risk of exceeding healthcare capacity during the fourth wave. Currently, Canada is below this target for COVID-19 vaccine uptake with approximately 65% of the Canadian population fully vaccinated or approximately 75% of eligible Canadians.
In March 2021, following the provision of thorough advice from policy, medical and operational staffs, the CDs directed there will be no formal requirement for the vaccination of CIF members except in prospective circumstances where a member is to be deployed or employed to a foreign country where there's a vaccine mandate to a domestic region or whatever fucking who cares.
The CIS COVID-19 immunization campaign was completed during a 60 day surge supported by a strong communication plan that focused on the benefits of COVID 19. Vaccines in general, addressed misinformation and communicated transparently about COVID-19 allocation decisions. The campaign was highly successful, and the CDF has now reached the milestone of achieving 90% Full vaccination of regular forces and eligible reserve forces and a further 3% Partially vaccinated
from a public health protection perspective. Individuals who are unwilling to accept COVID-19 vaccination should be afforded the same mitigation measures as those who are unable to be vaccinated. More specifically, accommodation measures that are meant to assure protection of the employee and the workforce should also be available to those who are unwilling to be vaccinated. However, recent inter interdepartmental discussions have identified that the intent is to require FPS employees who are teleworking to provide proof of vaccination as there remains the possibility of a requirement for in person prisons in the workplace. Therefore, it is likely that telework will be permitted to be used as a mitigating measure for those unwilling to be vaccinated. However, given that telework has been used for over a year as a strong public health measure against COVID-19 transmission, it may be difficult to argue that this does not continue to be an appropriate mitigation measure for unvaccinated employees.
It is currently unknown what mitigation measures will be implemented for individuals that are unable and unwilling to be vaccinated. There is acknowledgement that there is a duty to accommodate those unable to be vaccinated on protected grounds. But how this will be operationalized is yet to be determined. Further, while there is currently no intent to dismiss FPS employees for remaining unwilling to be vaccinated, interdepartmental discussions have begun to focus on disciplinary measures up to and including the use of leave without pay for non compliance. mandatory testing and screening regimes are being investigated as potential options along with the use of personal protective equipment and or physical distancing, limiting exposure to the public and congregate settings. Amending work hours and reassignment to other tasks.
Current epidemiological modeling suggests there lacks strong evidence to require vaccination of the remaining percentage of unvaccinated CHF members for the purpose of force health protection, as there already exists a high level of protection afforded by the CIF vaccine uptake rate. Establishing a proof of vaccination requirements for the CIF would not only be punitive in nature, but would also be countered to the success successful efforts made to date to encourage maximum voluntary uptake of this COVID vaccine. Additionally, medical ethical restrictions prevent CHF health services personnel from administering vaccines without the informed consent of the recipients. Coercion of CIF members to accept vaccination under threat of military discipline would not constitute informed consent.
Development of a framework is currently underway to assess the process success and the levels of authority required to determine when there is an operational requirement for CHF members to provide POV.
Additional review of criteria for POV for specific operational requirements to reflect the current COVID-19 situation is underway given the widespread surveillance of COVID-19 This review is likely to result in proof of vaccination requirements for most if not all, Canadian Armed Forces activity areas. A member refusing COVID-19 vaccination would then experience limits to available assignments and postings with career limits due to lack of experience, which may encourage unvaccinated members to see COVID-19 vaccination. This combined should be sufficient to meet the federal government's COVID-19 vaccination policy purpose of providing workplace protection as well as determining federal leadership and vaccine uptake in to the Canadian public sorry demonstrating.
DND CHF supports the governor, the GCS intent of establishing a proof of vaccination policy and or regulation. Its implementation will require prudent planning that considers the aforementioned challenges in its application. Particularly the determination of suitable mitigation measures for unvaccinated individuals will be key to ensuring widespread acceptance of the policy. Additionally, the development of a robust communications package will be vital to provide understanding and encourage acceptance from the defense team. As we have proven since the beginning of the COVID 19 pandemic, the DND CHF will continue to demonstrate leadership and contribute to a whole of government efforts to keep Canadians safe, including through implementation of the COVID-19 vaccination policy.
