An exemption to the policy must be religious or medical in nature. (Derek Cornet/larongeNOW Staff)

By Derek Cornet

COVID-19

Town of La Ronge employees must submit to new vaccination policy by Nov. 30

Oct 27, 2021 | 2:42 PM

All Town of La Ronge employees will be required to be vaccinated for COVID-19 or submit to regular testing by Nov. 30.

The new policy came into force at a regular town council meeting Tuesday, meaning staff must have one shot with plans to receive a second by the end of next month. Those who want to submit to regular testing will need to qualify for an exemption on either religious or medical grounds, as well as provide documentation proving such an exemption is needed.

The cost of such testing with also fall upon the employee.

“We’re taking a firm stance on getting out of the pandemic and really insuring the safety of our community and the safety of our staff,” La Ronge Mayor Colin Ratushniak said. “We’re really listening to our medical health officers who are really urging us to take a stance and look after the protection of our community because our health care system, at this time, is so overwhelmed. The only solution is for vaccination and it was clear last night as to where council wants to see that go forward.”

The policy will also be extended to volunteers assisting municipal employees, along with appointed committee and board members. Failure to comply with the policy, including providing false or misleading information, can result in discipline up to termination.

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Administration in Air Ronge confirmed village council will be developing a similar policy in the coming months. Other organizations such as Northlands College and Northern Lights School Division already have such policies in place or in development.

At Tuesday’s meeting, council also decided to no longer provide assistance checking for vaccination status at Ice Wolves home games at the Mel Hegland Uniplex. Municipal employees have done so in the past, but will no longer be doing so at future games.

“That will be the Ice Wolves responsibility to be checking and enforcing,” Ratushniak said. “I think that’s something that doesn’t necessarily need to be the taxpayer’s burden. I think as a community we can look at rallying together to volunteer and help that out, especially the ones who are going to the games on a regular basis.”

Other user groups of the Uniplex such as the La Ronge Skating Club, La Ronge Minor Hockey Association and the Crushers Hockey League already must provide proof of vaccination or negative COVID tests to enter the facility.

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derek.cornet@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @saskjourno