Toronto officers who aren’t fully vaccinated by Nov. 30 will be deemed ‘unfit’ for work

Up to 10 per cent of Toronto Police Service (TPS) members could be off the job if they don’t disclose their vaccination status, and get fully vaccinated, by November 30.

In an update Thursday, TPS said to date 90 per cent of members have disclosed their status and it’s warning the remaining 10 per cent that they’re running out of time to fall in line.

Those who don’t disclose their status and prove they are fully vaccinated by the deadline of November 30 will be deemed “unable to perform their duties” and will be forced to sit on the sidelines without collecting a paycheque.

The TPS confirmed that non-complying members will be placed on indefinite unpaid absences during which they won’t be allowed on any TPS property.

“If and when the member is fully vaccinated and discloses their updated vaccination status, they will be able to return to work,” the TPS said in a release.

“Secondly, effective immediately, those members who have not complied with the procedure will be ineligible for promotion to supervisory or management ranks or positions.”

The policy applies to both uniform and civilian members.

When asked how TPS would be able to keep up with staffing requirements if 10 per cent of its workforce is removed, police spokesperson Allison Sparkes said: “Members have continued to disclose and/or update their vaccination status on a daily basis, so the overall figure is fluctuating upwards. We will be in a better position to provide comment on how the Service will address any areas that need attention as we get closer to the November 30th deadline.”

Police Chief James Ramer declined a CityNews interview request, but said in the TPS release that “vaccination against COVID-19 protects the health and safety of each of our members, our workplaces and the public we serve.”

The TPS says its vaccination policy “is consistent” with other police services and city agencies, and adds that accommodations that align with the Human Rights Code will “be respected.”

Jon Reid, President of the Toronto Police Association (TPA), which represents 7,500 employees, said “members can [now] make this important decision in an informed manner.”

“It is critical to note that the Toronto Police Association encourages all members to get vaccinated, and we also have a duty of fair representation. This means that we must continue to represent and support all members regardless of their choice,” Reid said in a statement to CityNews.

“Additionally, the TPA must fulfill its obligation to protect the individual employment of our members and maintain a safe workplace for all. This is the mandate of the Toronto Police Association.”

When TPS first announced its vaccination policy, Reid, said the union “does not support this mandatory vaccination announcement or mandatory disclosure…”

Reid says in the coming days, TPA will continue to support all members, and “will continue working with the service to minimize the jeopardy to our members.”