Despite some opposition on Monday, municipal staff will return a report about a draft vaccination policy for council, as well as citizen volunteers, committees, and local boards.
Councillor Joe Faas entered the motion requesting council to direct staff to return with a report for approval at the next municipal meeting on October 4.
"I feel that it is our part to lead by example," said Faas, while noting citizens and businesses are being encouraged to do the same.
Councillor Melissa Harrigan, who supported Faas' motion, reiterated that Chatham-Kent had one of the highest COVID-19 case counts per population and one of the lowest vaccination rates.
"This is not something we are imposing on people," she said. "Getting vaccinated against COVID-19 is still a choice, this policy here is just protecting people in the community who are choosing to volunteer."
While the motion was up for discussion, some said they're not anti-vaccination, but they were disinclined to make the decision for others to get vaccinated against the virus.
Councillor Steve Pinsonneault, who is a volunteer firefighter, said he's fully vaccinated, but was reluctant to support the motion.
"I can't support any of this," said Councillor Amy Finn, earlier in the discussion.
A request for information regarding the municipal staff vaccination policy to also come forward was made by Councillor Doug Sulman. He said it would make sense to have those details when council makes a final decision.
Cathy Hoffman, the general manager of corporate services, agreed to provide the update in the report as well.
"Taking a leadership role and supporting vaccines and saying 'yes, this a policy we are going to be committed to' helps us get one step closer out of this mess," said Councillor Harrigan, who invited others to have a discussion with Chatham-Kent Medical Officer of Health Dr. David Colby about where the municipality was amidst the pandemic.
A decision as to whether a mandatory vaccination policy will be implemented or not will return to council at the next meeting slated for October 4.
