Sask. privacy commissioner says privacy, public safety must be balanced with COVID-19 vaccination status
Saskatchewan's Information and Privacy Commissioner says public safety and privacy must be balanced as public agencies and employers call for proof of vaccination against COVID-19.
"Neither of them are 100% and we've got to strike a balance," Ronald J. Kruzeniski told CTV News.
"So if we ask for somebody's proof of vaccination, how much information do we need about it? Do we just know that Ron had two shots and do we necessarily need to know that he had them on certain dates? Well sometimes maybe yes. Other times, maybe no. Do I have to prove it by showing a vaccination card? Some employers might say yes, others will say no, I'll take your word for it. So you see, we're trying to determine this balance between public safety and my privacy."
On Friday, the University of Saskatchewan announced it will require students, faculty and staff to be vaccinated against COVID-19 before entering campuses. If they aren't vaccinated they'll have to provide regular and frequent negative tests and submit a daily symptom checklist.
Quebec's government plans to implement a COVID-19 vaccine passport to enter restaurants, bars, gyms and certain non-essential venues beginning Sept. 1.
Federal Immigration Minister Marco Mendicino said last week fully vaccinated Canadians will soon be able to get a government document that will certify their COVID-19 vaccine history for the purpose of international travel.
Regarding the U of S policy, Kruzeniski said a strong argument can be made regarding public health and safety, though questions begin when it comes to collecting testing information.
"I wasn't aware of the daily symptom sheet. That symptom sheet would be blank unless the person is having symptoms. I would then start to ask questions about, do you have to keep it, do you have to provide it to somebody, do they take a copy of it? Is that necessary, or does someone just have to see it, or is it something that they you're just required to take and when you call in for your test you briefly show it to the nurse?
"So it's a whole series of decisions that need to come into the policy here and that's why I recommend a discussion with your HR people and your legal people to determine what kind of a policy, what kind of approach should be taken."
Kruzeniski said there is precedent for people providing private medical information - such as the vaccination status of children going to school or a doctor's note supporting sick leave.
Employers should develop a policy so that all employees know the rules and make accommodations for those that cannot be vaccinated, such as separate offices or allowing them to work from home, he said.
"There's a number of alternatives. Now you might run into some organizations where it's not possible to work from home. Okay, that's a factor. Do you have a collective agreement? What does it say about requiring health information? So, legal advice and HR advice is absolutely essential.
"But employers should look at it. And I think they just shouldn't ignore the issue, ignoring the issue is a decision that they're not requiring proof of vaccination."
With CTV News files
---
Do you have a story idea or news tip? Email us.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
BREAKING Average hourly wage in Canada now $34.95: StatCan
Average hourly wages among Canadian employees rose to $34.95 on a year-over-year basis in April, a 4.7 per cent increase, according to a Statistics Canada report released Friday morning.
Magnitude 4.2 earthquake reported off Vancouver Island's west coast
A 4.2-magnitude earthquake was recorded west of Vancouver Island early Friday morning.
This iconic Canadian song is turning 50
Andy Kim's 'Rock Me Gently' is marking a major milestone, as it celebrates its 50th anniversary.
From outer space? Sask. farmers baffled after discovering strange wreckage in field
A family of fifth generation farmers from Ituna, Sask. are trying to find answers after discovering several strange objects lying on their land.
Her SUV was stolen in Montreal. A Good Samaritan on Facebook helped her get it back
Just as she had feared, a restaurant owner from eastern Quebec who visited Montreal had her SUV stolen, but says it was all thanks to the kindness of strangers on the internet — not the police — that she got it back.
Oprah Winfrey: I set an unrealistic standard for dieting
Oprah Winfrey said on Thursday evening that she has long played a role in promoting unhealthy and unrealistic diets.
Ontario family receives massive hospital bill as part of LTC law, refuses to pay
A southwestern Ontario woman has received an $8,400 bill from a hospital in Windsor, Ont., after she refused to put her mother in a nursing home she hated -- and she says she has no intention of paying it.
Toronto police called to Drake's Bridle Path mansion for another alleged intruder on Thursday
Toronto police say a man who allegedly attempted to access Drake’s Bridle Path property was taken to hospital on Thursday after an altercation with security guards.
Flat tire on a highway? Here's why you shouldn't try to fix it
If you're cruising down a highway and realize you have a flat tire, you may want to think twice before stopping to fix it on the side of the road.