PHO ‘strongly recommends’ mandatory vaccination for Site C workers

VICTORIA, B.C. – The provincial health officer says she has written to many of the large industrial camps to urge them to make vaccination a requirement, especially in camp settings.

During the question period of the weekly COVID-19 briefing on Tuesday, Dr. Henry was asked if the Crown corporation in charge of the Site C Dam project should make vaccination mandatory for employees. She said yes.

“I’ve written to all of the employers in the large industrial camps, particularly in the north, saying that it is my very strong recommendation that they make it a requirement, particular of living in the communal settings that they have in the industrial camps,” said Henry.

The Site C work camp has 1,646 workers, according to BC Hydro, and 21 active COVID-19 cases as of October 5th.

Employers at industrial camps are required to report their workers’ vaccination status, but Health Minister Adrian Dix says, because they are a Crown corporation, they do not belong to public service and are not required to be vaccinated by November 22nd like the rest of the 30,000 public employees.

“We’re encouraging everyone in B.C. to get vaccinated and encouraging our leaders in B.C. in whatever part of the business sector, public or private, to encourage these efforts as well,” said Dix.

The Site C Dam project has dealt with two outbreaks this year, including one ongoing since August 18th. Northern Health says the current outbreak has 92 cases.

A number of companies, including Canadian Natural Resources, have made vaccine mandates already.