SoVote

Bill C-278

44th Parl. 1st Sess.

October 25, 2023

Bill C-278, also known as the Prevention of Government-imposed Vaccination Mandates Act, aims to prevent the federal government from imposing vaccination mandates for employment and travel. The bill amends the Financial Administration Act to state that the Treasury Board cannot require vaccination against COVID-19 as a condition of employment in the federal public administration. It also amends the Canada Labour Code to prevent regulations that require COVID-19 vaccination as a term or condition of employment in federal workplaces. Additionally, the bill amends the Aeronautics Act, Railway Safety Act, and Canada Shipping Act, 2001 to ensure that no regulations, orders, or instruments can prohibit a person from boarding an aircraft, train, or vessel solely because they have not received a COVID-19 vaccine.

Steelman Argument: Proponents of Bill C-278 argue that individual freedom and bodily autonomy should be respected, and vaccination mandates for employment and travel should not be imposed by the federal government. They argue that individuals have the right to make their own decisions about their health and personal choices, including whether or not to receive a COVID-19 vaccine. They contend that mandatory vaccination policies can infringe upon the rights and freedoms of individuals, particularly their freedom of choice and personal autonomy. They argue that individuals have the right to determine what medical interventions they receive, and that forcing individuals to receive a vaccine against their will violates this fundamental right. Additionally, proponents assert that vaccination mandates may lead to discrimination and exclusion, particularly for individuals who have legitimate medical reasons for not receiving the vaccine or

Steelman argument opposing Bill C-278: Bill C-278, the Prevention of Government-imposed Vaccination Mandates Act, seeks to prohibit the federal government from imposing vaccination mandates for employment and travel related to COVID-19. While individual freedoms and bodily autonomy are important, there are valid reasons to oppose this bill. Firstly, vaccination mandates have proven effective in preventing the spread of infectious diseases and safeguarding public health. COVID-19 is a highly contagious and potentially life-threatening disease, and vaccination has been shown to significantly reduce the severity and transmission of the virus. By removing the ability to implement vaccination mandates, this bill could undermine public health measures and put vulnerable populations at greater risk. Secondly, employment and travel are not absolute rights and are subject to reasonable restrictions. Just as individuals are required to meet ce