As COVID-19 infection rates and corresponding hospitalizations
continue to climb in Alberta, employers are increasingly
implementing mandatory vaccination policies to keep workers safe.
Failing to comply with mandatory vaccination policies often results
in employees being placed on unpaid leaves of absence or, in some
cases, terminated from employment. Given the significant
consequences that arise from non-compliance, an often-asked
question, both by employers and employees, is who qualifies for
exemption from the policy and on what grounds.
Generally speaking, the law only requires an exemption from
mandatory vaccination policies where an employee requires
accommodation on the basis of a ground protected by human rights
legislation. Most commonly, the protected grounds engaged in the
case of vaccine mandates are disability and sincerely held
religious beliefs.
