Sask. educator 'disgusted' by minister's move to prevent schools from requiring vaccine proof for extracurriculars
A Prince Albert vice principal says he's frustrated with the Saskatchewan education minister's decision to limit the COVID-19 vaccine-related measures school divisions can take.
Last month, Dustin Duncan sent a letter to school divisions to clarify rules for extracurricular activities, saying COVID-19 vaccinations should not be required for students to participate.
In a letter of his own to Duncan, Ecole St. Mary High School vice principal Dwayne Gareau calls the education minister's move "an irrational decision."
"Up to this point in the school year, any students wanting to be involved in extracurricular programming (a volunteer service offered by staff) at our school had to voluntarily show proof of vaccination to be eligible for involvement," Gareau wrote in the letter shared on Twitter.
He said the school's protocol for extracurricular activities was developed in consultation with the local Saskatchewan Health Authority medical health officer.
"Your recent decision has forcefully required our school division to interrupt our current voluntary proof of vaccination procedures," Gareau said.
The vice-principal said the school division "showed leadership" in what extracurricular programming should look like during a pandemic.
"I am disgusted by your decision to knowingly advocate and campaign for an environment that would clearly be less safe for our staff and students," Gareau wrote.
Gareau declined CTV News' request for an interview.
In an email to CTV News, and education ministry spokesperson said the direction provided by Duncan is consistent with the public health order already in place.
"Recently the Minister of Education directed that boards of education must not require proof of vaccination or the provision of a negative test result as a requirement for students to participate in extra-curricular activities that take place in schools," the ministry statement said.
"We believe this directive promotes the inclusion of as many children as possible in extra-curricular activities which are important to help build a well-rounded educational experience."
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Deaths of 4 people on Sask. farm confirmed as murder-suicide
The deaths of four people on a farm near the Saskatchewan village of Neudorf have been confirmed a murder-suicide.
Multiple bridges in Calgary shut down for police incident
Calgary police have shut down a number of bridges into and out of the downtown core as officers deal with a distraught individual.
Sunshine list: These were the Ontario public sector's highest earners in 2023
Ontario released its annual sunshine list Thursday afternoon, noting that the largest year-over-year increases were in hospitals, municipalities, and post-secondary sectors.
Why some Christians are angry about Trump's 'God Bless the USA' Bible
Former U.S. President Donald Trump is officially selling a copy of the Bible themed to Lee Greenwood’s famous song, 'God Bless the USA.' But the concept of a Bible covered in the American flag has raised concern among religious circles.
George Washington family secrets revealed by DNA from unmarked 19th century graves
Genetic analysis has shed light on a long-standing mystery surrounding the fates of U.S. President George Washington's younger brother Samuel and his kin.
Baby boom amongst nurses leads to maternity ward closure in Listowel, Ont.
The emergency room at Listowel’s hospital is open today, but come summer, their obstetrics unit will be temporarily closing its delivery rooms.
Humboldt Broncos bus crash survivor qualifies Canada for Paralympics in rowing event
Former Humboldt Broncos goaltender and bus crash survivor Jacob Wassermann has qualified Canada for a rowing event for the 2024 Paralympic games in Paris.
Krispy Kreme doughnuts coming to McDonald's in U.S., but not Canada
Canadians will be missing out on a sweet new partnership between McDonald's and Krispy Kreme, which will see doughnuts available at McDonald's locations across the U.S. by the end of 2026.
'We won't forget': How some Muslims view Poilievre's stance on Israel-Hamas war
A spokesman for a regional Muslim advocacy group says Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre's stance on the Israel-Hamas war could complicate his party's relationship with Muslim Canadians.