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
Quebec man who threatened Trudeau, Legault online sentenced to 20 months in jail
A Quebec man who pleaded guilty to threatening Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Premier François Legault has been sentenced to 20 months in jail.
Russia puts Ukrainian President Zelenskyy on its wanted list
Russia has put Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on its wanted list, Russian state media reported Saturday, citing the interior ministry’s database.
Two killed after collision with truck on Hwy. 417 near Limoges, Ont.
Ontario Provincial Police say two people were killed after a car and a transport truck collided in the westbound lanes of Highway 417 near Limoges, Ont. on Tuesday afternoon.
A Chinese driver is praised for helping reduce casualties in a highway collapse that killed 48
A Chinese truck driver was praised in local media Saturday for parking his vehicle across a highway and preventing more cars from tumbling down a slope after a section of the road in the country's mountainous south collapsed and killed at least 48 people.
Canadian doctor concerned new weight-loss drug Wegovy may be used inappropriately
As Wegovy becomes available to Canadians starting Monday, a medical expert is cautioning patients wanting to use the drug to lose weight that no medication is a ''magic bullet,' and the new medication is meant particularly for people who meet certain criteria related to obesity and weight.
Britney Spears 'home and safe' after paramedics responded to an incident at the Chateau Marmont, source tells CNN
A source close to singer Britney Spears tells CNN that the pop star is 'home and safe' after she had a 'major fight' with her boyfriend on Wednesday night at the Chateau Marmont in West Hollywood.
Grandparents killed in wrong-way crash on Hwy. 401 identified
A 60-year-old man and a 55-year-old woman killed in a wrong-way crash on Highway 401 earlier this week have been identified by the Consulate General of India in Toronto.
Premier Legault reiterates that McGill pro-Palestinian camp must be dismantled
Quebec Premier François Legault reiterated that the pro-Palestinian encampment at McGill University must be dismantled while police remain 'on the lookout for new developments.'
Houston braces for flooding to worsen in wake of storms
High waters flooded neighborhoods around Houston on Saturday following heavy rains that have already resulted in crews rescuing hundreds of people from homes, rooftops and roads engulfed in murky water.