Following an abrupt move by the Toronto Police Service (TPS) to implement a mandatory vaccination requirement for all of its uniformed and civilian employees, the Toronto Police Association (TPA) released a statement opposing the mandate.
In a statement published on Tuesday, shortly after the TPS’ announcement, TPA President Jon Reid came out against the decision to make vaccines mandatory.
“This announcement, however preliminary, is missing critical details that are central to understanding the impacts, timelines, or potentially alternative options available to our members,” Reid wrote.
“The TPA must make every effort to protect all of our members and therefore, does not support this mandatory vaccination announcement or mandatory disclosure.”
The TPA is a non-profit organization that’s “dedicated to promoting and protecting the interested and rights of our members and the policing profession through representation, strong leadership and advocacy” according to their official mission statement.
It has been in operation since 1956 and represents both civilian and uniformed members across Toronto.
According to recent reports, the TPS policy will require all staff to be vaccinated against COVID-19.
Beginning on September 13, 2021, the TPS will force all members to disclose their vaccination status.
“The safety of our members, our workplaces and the public is of utmost importance to us. Our members will be required to be fully vaccinated to protect each other and the communities we serve,” wrote TPS Chief James Ramer.
In total, the mandate will impact over 5,500 uniformed officers and approximately 2,200 civilian employees of the TPS.
