Tuesday, January 4, 2022 Coming Soon—Third Dose Requirements in Long Term Care Here's what you need to know Newsletters Ontario Healthcare Sectors Healthcare By Michael Reid, Ontario Healthcare Coordinator Recently, the Ontario government announced that as of January 28, staff, students, volunteers, support workers, and caregivers are required to provide proof of a receiving their third dose of a COVID-19 vaccination to enter a long term care facility. Individuals who were not eligible for a third dose by December 31 will be given an extension but must demonstrate having received a third dose by March 14, 2022. As the Omicron wave of COVID-19 gathers steam, we acknowledge that being vaccinated continues to demonstrate significant protection against serious illness and hospitalization, and that the risks are even more reduced if someone has received all three doses. Getting fully vaccinated remains an important measure of self protection. Doing so also supports CLAC members at work in hospitals where staffing shortages are causing dangerous work conditions and the cancellation of surgeries and other needed care. While CLAC supports and encourages vaccination, we also encourage members to be vigilant with the use of other measures that are equally important to protecting those around them, such as continuously wearing close-fitting, high-quality masks. CLAC has consistently and strongly supported vaccination, but we also maintain that termination of unvaccinated workers is premature and unnecessary, while so much about the future of COVID’s impact and effect remain uncertain and unpredictable. We are advancing hundreds grievances on behalf of members who have been terminated for opting not be vaccinated. Several of these grievances are currently scheduled for hearings before an arbitrator in the coming weeks. We know these are challenging times, and to the best of our ability, we will continue to advocate that all members are treated with respect and dignity—especially those who have stood as healthcare heroes during the incredible strain cause by this pandemic. You might be interested in Why We Work Safely 5 Jun 2026 Standing Your Ground, and Staying Steady on the Job 4 Jun 2026 CLAC Partners with Alberta Government to Advance Skilled Trades Training and Accelerate Certification 4 Jun 2026 Strathcona Mechanical Workers Ratify New Agreement Providing Wage, Scheduling Improvements 3 Jun 2026