Mike's Stance on Vaccinations

Vaccines save lives and are a crucial tool in the fight to end the COVID-19 pandemic. I am fully vaccinated and strongly encourage others to get vaccinated if they can.

My approach is to follow the science and listen to experts in these fields. Based on the best available, peer reviewed information, we know a combination of high vaccination rates, masking, physical distancing, and other public health precautions are the course to get out of this.

I agree with steps being taken provincially to protect those most at risk through the creation of vaccination policies in specialized settings like long term care homes. 

I also believe it should be mandatory to either be vaccinated or have a medical exemption for settings where people aren’t always wearing masks like restaurants, bars, gyms and other indoor settings .

We need to ensure vaccine passports or proof of medical exemption are accessible for everyone, regardless of their access to technology, while respecting private health information.

We must also improve education and access to vaccinations in under served communities, and accommodate where necessary. 

I do think we must actively listen to the concerns of members in our community and be respectful around our differences. Discussions around mandating vaccinations and proving vaccination status bring up strong emotions in people. Setting any rules must be approached in a careful, thoughtful, and considered manner.