Month: September 2021

Earlier this week, Health Canada fully approved both the Pfizer and Moderna COVID-19 vaccines for anyone aged 12 and older. These vaccines were first used earlier this year when they received an interim order that allowed for a speedy rollout of the vaccines to slow the spread of COVID-19. AstraZeneca’s COVID-19 vaccine is still authorized […]

Earlier this week, Health Canada fully approved both the Pfizer and Moderna COVID-19 vaccines for anyone aged 12 and older. These vaccines were first used earlier this year when they received an interim order that allowed for a speedy rollout of the vaccines to slow the spread of COVID-19. AstraZeneca’s COVID-19 vaccine is still authorized under the interim order but remains under review for full approval.

The full approval comes with a required brand name for each of the vaccines. The Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine will now be called “Comirnaty,” the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine will now be called “Spikevax” and the AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine will now be called “Vaxzrvria.”

Resource: https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/drugs-health-products/covid19-industry/drugs-vaccines-treatments/vaccines.html?utm_campaign=hc-sc-covidvaccine-21-22&utm_medium=smo&utm_source=twt&utm_content=vaccine-en-210916-govcanhealth

 

Vaccines have been used for decades to help eradicate/minimize diseases in Canada and around the world. Below are some facts on the COVID-19 vaccines and some historical examples of effective vaccines.

Vaccines have been used for decades to help eradicate/minimize diseases in Canada and around the world. Below are some facts on the COVID-19 vaccines and some historical examples of effective vaccines.

Two of Canada’s largest general contractors, EllisDon and PCL Construction, have announced they are implementing vaccination verification requirements at their workplaces. EllisDon and PCL will require Canadian employees working at any jobsite to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 by November 1, 2021. As of this date, testing will not be offered as an alternative to […]

Two of Canada’s largest general contractors, EllisDon and PCL Construction, have announced they are implementing vaccination verification requirements at their workplaces.

EllisDon and PCL will require Canadian employees working at any jobsite to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 by November 1, 2021. As of this date, testing will not be offered as an alternative to full immunization, stated a September 14 release.

Any employee may request an exemption to the vaccination verification requirement due to proven medical condition(s) and other applicable human rights grounds.

EllisDon and PCL will continue to comply with existing protocols and rules with respect to physical distancing, masking, screening, rapid testing, personal protective equipment and any other measures intended to reduce the transmission of COVID-19, stated the release.

Local 793 Labour Relations Manager Melissa Atkins-Mahaney discusses why mandatory vaccination policies are here to stay in the Fall 2021 Labour Relations Report (see link below).

News Release: https://www.newswire.ca/news-releases/ellisdon-and-pcl-implement-canadian-vaccination-verification-requirements-888136788.html

Local 793 Labour Relations Report: Mandatory COVID-19 vaccination policies are here to stay: https://online.flippingbook.com/view/174604277/38/

Finding reliable information on the COVID-19 vaccines can be difficult, and many contradicting opinions can often feel overwhelming. Carefully choosing your sources to get information is the best way to ensure accuracy. Some things to consider when choosing are: Assess the source – Do they mention the author? If so, are they real and credible? […]

Finding reliable information on the COVID-19 vaccines can be difficult, and many contradicting opinions can often feel overwhelming. Carefully choosing your sources to get information is the best way to ensure accuracy. Some things to consider when choosing are:

Assess the source – Do they mention the author? If so, are they real and credible? For social media, check for fake accounts/how long they have been active and if they link to facts rather than stating an opinion. For websites, check the “About Us” and “Contact Us” pages for background information and details. Other clues that a source may be unreliable are poor spelling and grammar and unprofessional visual design.

 Go beyond the headlines – Often, headlines are worded sensationally or provocatively in an effort to garner a high number of clicks (click-baiting). Read further into the article to be informed on the entire context/sense of the headline. Also, look for similar information on other platforms (don’t just look for confirmation on social media), as diversifying your sources allow you to get a better picture of what is or is not trustworthy.

 Check the date – Make sure the information you are reading is current and up to date as situations and research evolve. By ensuring your information was published recently, you get the most accurate information given the current facts and science.

 Examine the supporting evidence – Credible sources will back up their claims/opinions with facts. They will also provide links to their facts. That way, anyone can independently access the facts themselves.

It’s human nature to seek information about this unfolding public health crisis, but we must all take the proper steps to get the right information. Only together can we stop the spread of misinformation.

Below are several resources on COVID-19 with news and information from reliable sources, including the Government of Canada, the Government of Ontario, and the health research communities.

Resources

Government of Canada: https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/diseases/coronavirus-disease-covid-19/vaccines.html

Government of Ontario: https://covid-19.ontario.ca/covid-19-vaccines-ontario 

Government of Nunavut: https://www.gov.nu.ca/health/information/covid-19-vaccination#:~:text=The%20first%20vaccine%20that%20will,defend%20you%20against%20COVID%2D19. 

World Health Organization (WHO): https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019/covid-19-vaccines 

Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/index.html 

Eight major contractor associations in Ontario’s construction industry have launched a COVID-19 vaccine survey to determine which percentage of workers are fully vaccinated and the leading reasons for vaccine hesitancy. The anonymous survey consists of 10 questions and closes at the end of September. Sponsors of the survey are RESCON, the Ontario Sewer and Watermain Construction Association, Ontario Residential Council […]

Local 793 is a proud supporter of the Helmets to Hardhats (H2H) Canada program, which provides career opportunities for anyone who has served (or is currently serving) in the Canadian Forces. The program offers apprenticeship opportunities to achieve a journeyperson qualification in the building and construction trade, as well as potential opportunities in other management positions within the industry. H2H is […]

Local 793 is a proud supporter of the Helmets to Hardhats (H2H) Canada program, which provides career opportunities for anyone who has served (or is currently serving) in the Canadian Forces. The program offers apprenticeship opportunities to achieve a journeyperson qualification in the building and construction trade, as well as potential opportunities in other management positions within the industry.

H2H is a registered non-profit organization that has unique partnerships with Canada’s Building Trades Unions, their many employers across Canada, and government stakeholders.

To learn more about H2H, visit: https://www.helmetstohardhats.ca/en/home.htm

The Ontario Construction Secretariat revealed the ICI permit values in Ontario from January to July. ICI permit values in Ontario have climbed to $8.9 billion, a 5.2% increase from the same point last year. Source: https://iciconstruction.com/2021/09/08/september92021_ecoupdate/  

Source: https://iciconstruction.com/2021/09/08/september92021_ecoupdate/

 

With case counts continuing to rise and the virus continues to change, provinces across the country are opting for a proof-of-vaccination certificate program, also known as vaccine passports, to help curb the spread of COVID-19 and encourage everyone eligible to get vaccinated. Ontario and Nova Scotia become the fourth and fifth provinces, respectively, requiring proof-of-vaccination […]

With case counts continuing to rise and the virus continues to change, provinces across the country are opting for a proof-of-vaccination certificate program, also known as vaccine passports, to help curb the spread of COVID-19 and encourage everyone eligible to get vaccinated.

Ontario and Nova Scotia become the fourth and fifth provinces, respectively, requiring proof-of-vaccination for high-risk settings, following in the steps of Quebec, British Columbia and Manitoba. Last week, Newfoundland and Labrador Premier Andrew Furey said his province would be implementing a vaccine passport while the Government of Nunavut said that any vaccine passports would happen at the federal and territorial elections.

IUOE Local 793 supports the proof-of-vaccination certificate program and adheres to the advice of doctors and scientists that say vaccination remains the best defence against the virus.

Everything that can be done to potentially reduce the COVID-19 infection should be done.

Widespread vaccination and a once on-target provincial reopening plan had your Union looking ahead to holding the Fall General Membership meeting in September. But with the announcement of vaccine certificates and in line with provincial policies that are focused on higher-risk settings such as banquet halls, a decision was made to postpone the meeting.

Business Manager Mike Gallagher and the Local 793 Trustees will continue to review the situation and determine a safe time to reschedule the General Membership meeting.

The health and safety of Local 793 members remain the Union’s top priority.

Resources:
How the vaccine receipts and QR codes will work: Click Here
Book a vaccine appointment: Click Here

Attend a virtual information session. The next session is Wednesday, September 15, at 10am EDT. Visit https://www.oetio.com/ to RSVP your spot today. 2. After you’ve attended an information session, you can apply by visiting https://www.oetio.com/apprentice-application  

1. Attend a virtual information session. The next session is Wednesday, September 15, at 10am EDT. Visit https://www.oetio.com/ to RSVP your spot today.

2. After you’ve attended an information session, you can apply by visiting https://www.oetio.com/apprentice-application