SPECIAL MEETING OF CITY COUNCIL

CITY HALL, 10105 12A STREET, DAWSON CREEK

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 2, 2021 AT 3:00 PM

AGENDA Page

1. CALL TO ORDER

2. LATE ITEMS 3 2.1 Email from Jason Gies, Resident of Dawson Creek (September 1, 2021) re: To

Share with Council His Opinion Regarding the Vaccine Passport Requirements. 4 2.2 Email from Heather Moat, Resident of Dawson Creek (September 1, 2021) re:

Access to City Facilities such as the Lakota Centre in Light of the New Provincial Health Order Requirements.

5 2.3 Email from Sharla Brandle, Resident of Dawson Creek (September 2, 2021) re:

To Share with Council Her Opinion Regarding the Vaccine Passport Requirements.

6 2.4 Email from Alisha Guild, Resident of Dawson Creek (September 2, 2021) re: To

Request Council to Say 'No' to the Vaccine Passport on Behalf of the Community and the Children within It.

7 - 8 2.5 Letter from Kathy Kuenzel, Resident of Tomslake (September 2, 2021) re: To

Share with Council Her Opinion on the Rights of People to Refuse Vaccinations. 9 2.6 Letter from Lisa Kwasnitza and Dave McConnell, Residents of Dawson Creek

(September 2, 2021) re: The Province's Recently Announced Proof of Vaccination and Mandatory Mask Requirements.

Page 1 of 23

SPECIAL MEETING OF CITY COUNCIL

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 2, 2021 Page

10 2.7 Letter Elke Lukac, Resident of Dawson Creek (September 2, 2021) re: How Vaccine Passports are a Violation of Human Rights.

11 2.8 Letter from Jeremy Parslow, Resident of Dawson Creek (September 2, 2021)

re: To Share with Council His Opinion Regarding the Provincial Government's Recent Announcement Requiring Proof of Vaccinet.

12 2.9 Letter from Donna Young, Resident of Dawson Creek (September 2, 2021) re:

City of Dawson Creek Coroner Duties.

3. NEW/COUNCILLOR BUSINESS

4. CORRESPONDENCE 13 - 17 4.1 Email from Erin Oliver, Recreation Manager, City of Dawson Creek (September

1, 2021) and Tiffany Hetenyi, Sports and Event Coordinator, City of Dawson Creek re: Update for 2021-2022 Season.

• COVID-19 Addendum to Facility Lease Agreement (Signed by all City Facility User Groups/Leasees in 2020-2021)

18 - 23 4.2 Letter from Tara Faganello, Assistant Deputy Minister, Province of British

Columbia (August 27, 2021) re: Recently Announced Proof of Vaccination and Mandatory Mask Requirements via Provincial Health Order.

5. MAYOR'S BUSINESS

6. MEDIA QUESTION PERIOD

7. ADJOURNMENT

Page 2 of 23

From: Jason Gies

Sent: September 1, 2021 9:14 AM

To: Mayor Bumstead <mayorbumstead@dawsoncreek.ca>; jearl@dawoncreek.ca; Paul

Gevatkoff <pgevatkoff@dawsoncreek.ca>; Charlie Parslow <cparslow@dawsoncreek.ca>;

Darcy Dober <ddober@dawsoncreek.ca>; Amy Kaempf <akaempf@dawsoncreek.ca>; Shaely

Wilbur <swilbur@dawsoncreek.ca>

Cc: Blair Lekstrom <blekstrom@dawsoncreek.ca>; Chante Patterson-Elden

<celden@dawsoncreek.ca>; Melina Sweezey <msweezey@dawsoncreek.ca>

Subject: Public Buildings and Vaccine Pass

CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Do not click links or open attachments unless

you recognize the sender and know the content is safe.

To whom it may concern,

I writing this email in full opposition of the proposed vaccine pass to enter public buildings,

especially for children over the age of 12. As our elected leaders is it not your job to represent

ALL the residents of Dawson Creek? I don’t think it matters whether or not you are vaccinated,

having to show proof of anything to enter a publicly funded building is wrong. I realize some, if

not all of this is coming from the PHO but as a City you need to stand up for all residents, no

matter their beliefs or position on this matter. When it comes to youth sport that is a lot of undo

pressure and responsibility put on volunteers to enforce proof of vaccine. I hope that you follow

along with the DC Chamber being against the Vaccine Passport as clearly a large number of

business are against it.

Thank you for your time,

Jason Gies

Sent from Mail for Windows

ITEM 2.1

Page 3 of 23

From: Moat Farms Ltd Date: September 1, 2021 at 10:43:30 AM MST To: Mayor Bumstead <mayorbumstead@dawsoncreek.ca> Subject: Lakota Center

CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe.

Hi Dale

I can not support a vaccine passport in Canada ever. I will not be using one. This is a hill to die on in my opinion.

How can we ensure we will be able to access city facilities such as the Lakota centre (pretty much the only one I frequent) but it applies to all facilities.

Do you have any ideas how to fight this? Besides not complying. I don' t think the conservatives even if a majority will stop or reverse this.

Heather Moat

Sent from my iPhone

1

ITEM 2.2

Page 4 of 23

From: Sharla Brandle Sent: September 2, 2021 10:28 AM To: Mayor Bumstead <mayorbumstead@dawsoncreek.ca> Subject: Vaccine Passports

CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe.

I am against the use of vaccine passports! I can not believe that we are being asked to give up our

human rights! I believe in unity, however, our government seems hell bent on dividing and

conquering us.

My body, my choice! I do not consent to the dehumanizing vaccine passport!

My family were some of the first to settle in the Dawson Creek area. I was born and raised

here! I hope you will uphold the rights of many who have the right to be free!

Sincerely, Sharla Brandle

Sent from Yahoo Mail for iPhone

ITEM 2.3

Page 5 of 23

From: Alisha Guild Sent: September 2, 2021 12:12 PM To: Shaely Wilbur <swilbur@dawsoncreek.ca>; Mayor Bumstead <mayorbumstead@dawsoncreek.ca> Subject: In regards to today’s council meeting CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. Dear Mayor and Council members, While my family and I are unable to attend today we do have strong thoughts on the proposed vaccine passports and the effects it will have on our town, children, families, businesses, schools and individuals. This will ultimately create a two tier society. We do not feel that these shots are even close to being safe for children yet and no where near enough time has lapsed in testing to see any long term effects. It’s been shown that children post little to no risk in passing or contracting covid so why is there a mandate for them to get vaccinated and show proof. The world health organization does not even recommend these shots for those under 18. In fact their website says “covid vaccines are safe for most people 18 years and older” Then says “suitable” for Pfizer only for 12 and older….when it comes to my children I don’t want the word suitable I want the word safe. Why would they use safe for the older group but only suitable for the younger. These kids have been put through enough already and for some like my daughter, her swim team is all she had left. It’s what she clung to this last year and now she stands to lose that too without proof that she has recieved a potentially dangerous to children shot. We do not support the passport for anyone at all let alone children. We will not comply with passport requests, and will stand strong on that. It is unfortunate this letter is in the context it is however given the short time before this stands to take effect we must at least voice our thoughts, Concerns and beliefs on the matter. I trust you will take all of today’s voices into consideration and fight for our small community, We have lost enough this last year let’s not take from our children too. Please stand up for our children and our community in saying no to this passport, Frazer, Alisha, Guild

ITEM 2.4

Page 6 of 23

September 2, 2021

Katl1yKuenzl

This letter is for all Members of Dawson Creek City Council

Pleased be advised that I am writing to tell you my opinion on the rights of people to

refuse anything they do not wa.nt into their bodies. Whether by force, coercion, or threat.

The proposed mandate by the by any government ir1Canada to administer any drug to

those said people is unlawful. This is a protection under the charter of rights that every

Canadian has and should not be taken away by any government whether Provincial or

Federal. I am sure you are aware of what the charter of rights says, therefore by allowing

this you are in violation and complicit in the destruction of all Canadians freedoms. I feel

the need to express to you all just how wrong this is. Yes right now they will only be

denied access to some establishments, thereby creating second class citizens. The fact that

children over 12 years of age should have this forced on them is an ABOlV[[NATION. To

threaten them with the loss of the ability to participate in a sport that takes place in any

arena is so so wrong. If a parent was to force a child like this against their will we would

be arrested and that child removed and taken away by the Child Protective Agency. The

fact that you cannot or will not forbid that abuse makes you complicit in that abuse and

you should lose your position that you hold. You were voted in by the people that means

all of them and you should not stand with those who are trying to implement this. You

should be doing all you can to protect everyone from this atrocity. This insistenceby the

Province and Federal governments, that only those that carry a passport containing their

medical information, are safe is a complete fallacy. Those with both shots are still able to

catch and transmit Covid and in letting only those people enter certain places you also are

giving them a false sense of security. Pm sure you all are very aware of another country

who did this at one point. Government in doing this has shown themselves to be on the

wrong side of history. Besides this is again against Canadians rights. I don’t have words

ITEM 2.5

Page 7 of 23

enough to say to you to explain just how badly Thisstance is that you have decided to take

actually is. If you really valued our rights you would understand that your actions are

deplorable. I don’t understand how you don’t realize just where this is leading. That being

said, as a witness to these things that you are allowing to take place. I have lost any

respect for any of you who do not speak out now. Ifyou also believe that the government

has the right to pass and enforce any mandate also proves how willing you are to be a part

of the destruction of our democracy. These mandates have been put in place without

having to be passed in the legislature by the officials that were elected by us. This breach

in our democracy is also outrageous. My husband and I are not able to participate in the

protest being held today on the lawn of City Hall in Dawson Creek BC as we had

previous engagements that we are unable to postpone, but you can be guaranteed that we

will be there at the next one and the one after that to stand up for our freedoms. This is an

invasive procedure and is far different in making us wear masks. Telling citizens that they

have to allow this is no different then giving the government permission to administer

any form Chemo without their consent.

Secondly by calling this a ‘vaccine’ is also not valid, as it is not. A vaccine protects a

person from contracting and transmitting a disease. This shot does nothing of the kind

and by continuing to refer to it as this you mock the Validity of all vaccines.

We have actually had both of the Modema shots but it was our choice. I say this even

though you have no right to any of our medical information. Please rethink your position

on the matter and in doing so you will be upholding our constitution. You degrade those

men and women some of who have sacri?ced so much for this country, some of which

who have lost their lives in doing so. You are helping to make this country a look like a

disgrace to those who lost everything to ?ee their homeland to come here, where they

thought they would be protected from persecution. Again I beseech you to consider the

role you have chosen to play in the shame and embarrassmentto Canada that you are

willingly participating in. There is still time to change your mind and standup against

these corrupt people who supposedly should be the ones protecting our freedoms.

Thank you for your time

ITEM 2.5

Page 8 of 23

September 2, 2021

amanm'em5aa.- »

We are writing to you today, as we are unable to attend todays ”Specia| Council Meeting”regarding the recently announced ”Proof of Vaccination” and "Mandatory Mask” requirements.

We are small business owners in the City of Dawson Creek, owning 2 businesses. Both of ourbusinesses have been affected for 2 years because of the mandates that the government hasput into place.

We would like to remind you that these mandates go against our Constitutional Rights.

l have personally suffered health issues due to the mandatory masks that were implementedthe ?rst go around of this (so called) deadly virus. I know many people with co-morbidities thathave had this flu and have not suffered side effects of it. I also know people who have gottenthe injection for Covid and have suffered side effects and/ordeath from the vaccine.

We will not be taking the vaccine under any circumstances; it is our body and our choice.

The fact that the City of Dawson Creek is ascertaining putting these mandates into effect putsyou in a very vulnerable position.

The vaccine companies are passing blame to the Government, who in turn is passing blame tothe Province's, who in turn is passing blame to the Cities, who in turn now is attempting to passthe blame of liability to the Business Owners. We will under no circumstances take part in thisand will not take on the liability to enforce this tyranny act.

Please remember you are accountable. The employees to the City of Dawson Creek work for USthe people. As does the Province and the Government of Canada. We will not back down andwe will hold everyone accountable that continues to enforce these measures.

Regards,

m5eE&l£NgM¢§gnh.é'» .'

ITEM 2.6

Page 9 of 23

Hi. I can't make it to the open council meeting tomorrow, but I would still like my voice to

count. Vaccine passports are a gross violation of our rights, both as humans and as Canadians

and a violation of the Nürnberg Code and the Canadian Charter. I urge city council to vote for

non- enforcement in both public and private services, businesses,events etc.

These unlawful mandates are hurting Dawson Creek and area businesses and service providers.

But especially they hurt real people who live and have lived here and contribute to the city. Just

one small example: my grandkids ( all 6 and under) won't be able to go to the pool all winter

because there won't be anyone to take them. " Just get the shot" you say, but I and my family

won't be your Guinea pigs. I have multiple health issues and am not willing to gamble my life on

an untested over time vaccine, not even to take my grandkids to the pool. Irregardless, I am not

willing to have the government force me to inject something into my body without my freely

given uncoerced consent. Vaccine passports are coercion. By endorsing and enforcing the health

passes, you become morally, ethically and possibly in the future legally, responsible for damages

caused...by the vaccine itself and by the consequences of creating a two tier society and the

isolation of people who can't or won't take your shot.

Please do the right thing and say no to the health pass.

Elke Lukac

ITEM 2.7

Page 10 of 23

Dear Mayor Bumstead:

1, Jeremy Parslow have resided in Dawson Creek my entire life. I have also been a small business

owner of DC Recycling since 2009. In my 41 years here, I have witnessed a few ups and downs, but

nothing compares to current state of our City, Province, and Country. It can only be described as a train

wreck. Businesses have been forced to close, families are struggling financially, and dtizens are divided.

Ironically, the total health of our society is being ignored, as our society's mental and financial health is

in shambles. These problems have been created solely by government overreach, misinformation, and a

campaign to create fear and panic. I have personally witnessed the gradual degradation of my staffs

mental state due to them being tasked with policing duties, and constant conflict with customers w ho

are struggling themselves. Workers are in fear of their eventual terminations all over town for deciding

that the vaccine is not right for them. I am hearing their stories, and I am receiving their resumes. I am

employing one nurse right now, and I may have two more coming next month. Imagine going from

trying to save lives one day to counting bottles in order to provide for your family the next. None of this

is ok.

I am appalled at the government's recent decision to require proof of vacdnation to enter

certain facilities in our province. This could be the final blow to many small businesses that make up the

heart of Dawson Creek. I will not support any policy that violates my human rights, and I cannot in good

consdence support policies that promote segregation and discrimination in our society. Furthermore,

my business will do its best to not align with any entities that will be actively engaging in discrimination,

either internally through staffing, or at the door.

We are now at a tipping point. If this moves forward without a fight, there will be no going back.

I trust that you will stand for human rights, stand for small business, and firmly stand against

discrimination of any kind.

Thank you,

Jeremy Parslow

Dawson Creek

ITEM 2.8

Page 11 of 23

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ITEM 2.9

Page 12 of 23

From: Erin Oliver <eoliver@dawsoncreek.ca> Sent: September 1, 2021 10:09 AM To: Brenda Ginter <bginter@dawsoncreek.ca> Subject: FW: Update for 2021-2022 season Importance: High Hi Everyone, Community Service Department is working to understand, and keep up to date on orders given to us by the Provincial Government. Our department is trying to give updated information to the user groups as we get closer to the Order date, so everyone is prepared and not rushed when having to put their plans in place. Community Services is aware of your concerns about the youth sport as stated on the Government Website is not clear. In future days with the orders being updated, Community Services hopes for clarification when it comes to what it means for youth sport. Please follow the https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/covid-19/vaccine/proof Thank you for your patience as we work together during this time.

Erin Oliver Recreation Manager The Corporation of the City of Dawson Creek Phone 250-784-3633 Fax 250-784-3692 www.dawsoncreek.ca Like us on Facebook

Please ~ only print this email if necessary!

The information transmitted herein is confidential and may contain privileged or personal information. It is intended solely for the person or entity to which it is addressed. Any review, re-transmission, dissemination, taking of any action in reliance upon, or other use of this information by persons or entities other than the intended recipient is prohibited. If you received this in error, please notify the sender and delete or destroy all digital and printed copies.

ITEM 4.1

Page 13 of 23

----- Hello Ice Users, The Memorial Arena opening date is fast approaching and we are still working through some of the new protocols, which I know there are a lot of questions. We don’t have many answers yet, but we can give you an update so you can start preparing as this is new territory for us. There will be an updated Provincial Health Order released in the next day or so regarding masks. Everyone entering the facilities 12+ years of age has until September 13, 2021 to have received first dosage and a plan for tracking your participants, coaches, and spectators vaccination status put in place in your Communicable Disease Prevention Plan. This includes people from other provinces that do not require vaccination coming into our facility, they must show proof of vaccination by September 13. The addendum is being revised and will be sent out to be signed in regards to vaccination requirements. Prior to September 13 we will proceed with the following for the Memorial Arena. • Participants 12+ will wear masks when not on field of play. • Spectators 12+ will wear masks while in the facility. • It is up to user groups to ensure by September 13 all participants and spectators have proof of first dosage and 2nd by October 24. This needs to be added into the User Groups Communicable Disease Plans. Community Services will require a signed, addendum to their current license to occupy. -Suggestions for user groups Communicable Disease plans a. Confirm vaccination on rosters b. Hosts checking individuals at the door c. Spectators vaccination cards checked when paying for ticketed events by those working the front entrance • Currently Community Services will remain registered programming to keep staff from having to collect money and check for vaccination cards upon individuals entering our buildings. -City employees will maintain wearing masks when physical barriers are not present -Maintaining personal hygiene i.e. handwashing • At time of registration Community Services will ask for proof of vaccinations. Thank you for your patience, Community Services will update everyone as more information is presented. Tiffany Hetenyi Sports and Event Coordinator

Please ~ only print this email if necessary!

The information transmitted herein is confidential and may contain privileged or personal information. It is intended solely for the person or entity to which it is addressed. Any review, re-transmission, dissemination, taking of any action in reliance upon, or other use of this information by persons or entities other than the intended recipient is prohibited. If you received this in error, please notify the sender and delete or destroy all digital and printed copies.

ITEM 4.1

Page 14 of 23

- 1 -

Upon the emergence of COVID-19, we at the City of Dawson Creek responded to the direction from our

public health officials to first close our facilities and cease offering services, and we are now responding

to the direction to reopen our facilities and offer services to our community cautiously, with the safety

of our staff and community being our priority. This includes permitting user groups access to our

facilities or parks, solely on the basis that COVID-19 precautions will be adhered to by any and all user

groups and individual participants.

COVID-19 remains a worldwide pandemic and a threat to our local health and safety. We know the

following (this list is not intended to be exhaustive):

1. The infectious agent, SARS-CoV-2, has caused cases and outbreaks of a serious communicable

disease known as COVID-19 among the population of the Province of British Columbia;

2. Our public health officials have determined this constitutes a regional event, as defined in

section 51 of the Public Health Act;

3. A person infected with SARS-CoV-2 can infect other people with whom the infected person is in

contact; and can be significantly more dangerous in people of already compromised health;

4. The gathering of people in close contact with one another can promote the transmission of

SARS-CoV-2 and increase the number of people who develop COVID-19.

We cannot be certain that a person (of any age) will not contract SARS-CoV-2 at one of our leased

facilities and we have taken the steps required to develop our COVID-19 Safety Plan, which is available

for your review upon request. Though we have implemented our COVID-19 Safety Plan, the risk remains

that a COVID-19 outbreak could occur despite our efforts.

As the representative of a user group leasing a City of Dawson Creek facility, it is your responsibility to:

Read and confirm that you understand the City of Dawson Creek’s COVID-19 Safety Plan and

COVID-19 policies and procedures.

Have and provide to the City of Dawson Creek a COVID-19 Exposure Control Plan that clearly

demonstrates how activities provided will align with the directives of the Provincial Health

Officer, Northern Health Authority, provincial/national governing body, WorkSafeBC and any

other applicable authority. Please note, the City will not review this document.

Comply with all rules and regulations from the Provincial Health Officer, Northern Health

Authority, provincial/national governing body, WorkSafeBC and any other applicable authority

or law designed to reduce the potential of contracting or transmitting COVID-19. This includes

any new or revised COVID-19 regulations, as the regulations are subject to change from the

date of this notice / agreement date.

COVID-19 Addendum to Facility Lease Agreement

PLEASE READ CAREFULLY!

ITEM 4.1

Page 15 of 23

- 2 -

Circulate this Addendum to all staff and participants utilizing the City-owned leased facility.

Comply with all signage posted at the leased facility.

Take steps to ensure that participants or anyone attending the activity act in accordance with

the COVID-19 Safety Plan and COVID-19 policies and procedures, adhere to the COVID-19

exposure control plan and all rules and regulations from the Provincial Health Officer, Northern

Health Authority, provincial/national governing body, WorkSafeBC and any other applicable

authority or law designed to reduce the potential of contracting or transmitting COVID-19

Failure to adhere to these regulations could result in your user group’s facility lease agreement

being revoked without refund of any lease fees.

It is vital that no person who feels sick in any way visit any City of Dawson Creek facilities. It is also vital

that no person brings a child who feels unwell or is showing any symptoms of illness to any of the City’s

facilities and/or programs.

It is vital that any person who believes that they may have become ill or their child may have become ill

within 14 days of visiting a leased City facility report this immediately to the lease holder who will then

contact Community Services Department at 250-784-3604 and seek appropriate medical attention by

first calling 8-1-1. We will share personal information only for the purposes of contact tracing if the need

arises. When attending one of our leased facilities, all persons must consent to the same.

For more information regarding the risks associated with COVID-19, please review the BC CDC guidelines

for recreation facilities: http://www.bccdc.ca/health-info/diseases-conditions/covid-19/community-

settings/recreation-facilities.

I have read, understand and agree to this Addendum to the Facility Lease Agreement.

INITIAL HERE

I have reviewed the City of Dawson Creek COVID-19 Safety Plan.

INITIAL HERE

I have provided the City of Dawson Creek with a COVID-19 Exposure Control Plan

INITIAL HERE

I have reviewed this Addendum to the Facility Lease Agreement and understand it is my responsibility to communicate the following to all participants and attendees:

By attending a City owned leased facility, participants will be at risk of contracting COVID-19, in spite of any precautions taken by me or the City of Dawson Creek

COVID-19 is a highly infectious and potentially fatal disease with a latent period of transmissibility during which time apparently healthy people can be infectious.

If infected, the risk of transmitting it to family members, including those with high risk, pre-existing conditions may occur

INITIAL HERE

ITEM 4.1

Page 16 of 23

- 3 -

I understand and agree that it is my responsibility, not that of the City of Dawson Creek to take appropriate additional precautions as required and ensure all participants and attendees of City-owned leased facilities will adhere to the COVID-19 exposure control plan

INITIAL HERE

_____________________________________ __________________________________________

Print name clearly Date

_____________________________________ ___________________________________________

Signature Organization

________________________ ___________________________________________

Cellular Phone Number Emergency Email

ITEM 4.1

Page 17 of 23

Ministry of Municipal Affairs Local Government Mailing Address: PO Box 9490 Stn Prov Govt Victoria BC V8W 9N7 Phone: 250 356-6575 Fax: 250 387-7973

Location: 6th Floor, 800 Johnson Street Victoria BC V8W 1N3

www.gov.bc.ca/muni

August 27, 2021

Ref: 268161

Mayors and Regional District Chairs of British Columbia

Dear Mayors and Chairs:

I am writing to provide you with an update on the recently announced proof of vaccination and

mandatory mask requirements to stop the spread of COVID-19. Starting Sept. 13, 2021, proof of

vaccination will be required in B.C. for people attending certain social and recreational settings and

events. As of August 25, 2021, masks are mandatory in indoor public spaces.

I first wish to acknowledge the many people and communities in B.C. continuing to face the crisis of

wildfires. I know that in many places you and your residents are under intense stress, facing evacuation

orders and alerts and the impact of wildfires’ destructive force. Please know that our thoughts and

support are with you, along with our deep gratitude for the courage, tireless work and dedication to

community demonstrated by you and your staff in this emergency.

Turning again to the recently announced proof of vaccination requirement I would like to acknowledge

the extraordinary efforts local governments have made – and continue to make – to respond to the

COVID-19 pandemic in your communities. I know there is particular interest in how the proof of

vaccination requirement will apply to local government business, especially in relation to conducting

council/board meetings and public hearings.

The focus of the proof of vaccination requirement is on choice – businesses, places, and activities that

people can choose to attend and support if they are vaccinated. That would include, for example, places

such as gyms, pools and recreational facilities. The Provincial Health Officer has indicated that it is the

intention that the proof of vaccination requirement won’t apply to formal local government business,

including by-elections, council/board meetings and public hearings for both council/board members as

well as the public attending these events. The Provincial Health Officer is working on finalizing the

formal written order which will outline the specifics. The ministry will provide you with more detailed

information once the final order has been published.

The proof of vaccination requirement is not mandatory for employment at this time, other than in

specific areas of the health care system starting with Long Term Care, Assisted Living and some other

residential care facilities. Employers are accountable for ensuring their workers’ safety, further to

WorkSafeBC direction (see https://www.worksafebc.com/en/covid-19/bcs-four-step-restart) and should

ITEM 4.2

Page 18 of 23

Mayors and Chairs Page 2

have in place communicable disease plans – including a requirement to stay home when sick, mask

wearing where appropriate and regular hand washing. Employers, including local governments, may

choose to adopt their own vaccination policies beyond the designated settings but would be responsible

for doing their own due diligence.

As noted above, as of August 25, 2021, masks are mandatory in all indoor public spaces to help slow the

transmission of COVID-19 as B.C. prepares for the fall and respiratory illness season. Subject to some

exemptions, people 12 years and older must wear masks in indoor public spaces, regardless of

vaccination status. These settings include, but are not limited to city halls, libraries, community and

recreation centres, areas of office buildings where services to the public are provided, and common

areas of sport and fitness centres when not engaged in physical activity.

Here is a summary of the general rules for the proof of vaccination requirement:

Proof of vaccination – how it works

The requirement applies to all people age 12 years and older. People visiting from outside of B.C. are

also required to show proof of vaccination.

There are two key dates:

As of Sept. 13, people in British Columbia will be required to be partially vaccinated with at least one

dose of a COVID-19 vaccine to access certain businesses and events.

As of Oct. 24, people in British Columbia will be required to be fully immunized, at least seven days

after receiving two doses of COVID-19 vaccine, to access the same list of businesses and events.

Here is the current list of settings where proof of vaccination will be required:

• indoor ticketed sporting events

• indoor ticketed concerts/theatre/dance/symphony events

• indoor and outdoor dining at restaurants, pubs, and bars

• night clubs and casinos

• movie theatres

• fitness centres/gyms/pools/recreation facilities (excluding youth recreational sport)

• indoor high-intensity group exercise activities

• organized indoor events (e.g. weddings, parties, conferences, meetings, workshops)

• discretionary organized indoor group recreational classes and activities such as pottery and art

classes, but does not include K to 12 school and before and after school programs

• post secondary on-campus student housing (students must be partially vaccinated by September 7)

The requirement is in place until January 31, 2022, subject to possible extension.

Showing proof of vaccination

Individuals will be able to confidentially access their proof of vaccination through a secure website. A

web link will be provided and publicized widely before September 13. Individuals will be able to save a

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Mayors and Chairs Page 3

copy of their proof of vaccination to their phone to show when entering or using designated businesses

and events. A second, secure option will be provided for people who can’t access the website.

We all know the best way to get through this pandemic are vaccines; I would ask for your support to

encourage the residents in your communities to get vaccinated. Getting vaccinated is the best choice to

protect ourselves, the people we love, and our communities.

Keep watching BC’s Response to COVID-19 website for updates. We will continue to work with you over

the coming weeks, so that you have the support and information you need to move forward based on

the new Provincial Health Officer Orders.

Sincerely,

Tara Faganello Assistant Deputy Minister

pc: Chief Administrative Officers Gary MacIsaac, Executive Director, UBCM Nancy Taylor, Executive Director, LGMA Todd Pugh, Executive Directory, CivicInfo

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9/2/2021 B.C. launches proof of vaccination to stop spread of COVID-19 | BC Gov News

https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2021HLTH0053-001659 1/1

Starting Sept. 13, 2021, proof of vaccination will be required in B.C. for people attending certain social andrecreational settings and events.

This important step will continue to increase the vaccination rate across the province and provide confidence to fullyvaccinated people that those around them are also fully vaccinated.

“Vaccines are our ticket to putting this pandemic behind us,” said Premier John Horgan. “So I call on all eligibleunvaccinated British Columbians to roll up their sleeves to stop the spread, and help protect themselves, their lovedones and the people in their community. British Columbia has one of the strongest vaccination rates in Canada with75% of eligible people now fully vaccinated, but there is still more work to do.”

A new order from the provincial health officer will require individuals to provide proof of vaccination to access a broadrange of social, recreational, and discretionary events and businesses throughout the province. As of Sept. 13, onedose of vaccine will be required for entry to these settings. By Oct. 24, entry to these settings will require people tobe fully vaccinated at least seven days after receiving both doses. To enter certain spaces, including indoor ticketedsporting events, indoor and patio dining in restaurants, fitness centres, casinos and indoor organized events, likeconferences and weddings, people aged 12 and older will be required to show their proof of vaccination.

“I am grateful to every single person who has taken the time to receive their COVID-19 vaccine,” said Dr. BonnieHenry, B.C.’s provincial health officer. “While our vaccination rate continues to rise, we are still seeing waves oftransmission primarily amongst those who are not fully vaccinated. These new measures will help reducetransmission and keep our communities safe and ensure we can continue to keep businesses open and safely enjoymuch-needed social events.”

A secure weblink will be provided and publicized before Sept. 13, where people will be able to confidentially accesstheir proof of vaccination. Individuals will be able to save a copy of their proof of vaccination to their phone to show itwhen entering or using designated businesses and events. Individuals who cannot access their proof of vaccinationonline will be provided with a secure alternative option.

“Getting vaccinated keeps everyone in B.C. safe and stops the spread of COVID-19,” said Adrian Dix, Minister ofHealth. “And getting vaccinated is the best choice to protect yourself, the people you love and to ensure you cancontinue to participate in these public and private events and settings. Our B.C. vaccine card is an essential interimaction until we transition to a federally compliant proof of vaccine.”

By getting vaccinated prior to Sept. 13, every British Columbian can continue to access these events and settings.

Details on specific COVID-19 safety requirements for K-12 and post-secondary schools will be available this week.

Learn More:

Learn about proof of vaccination requirements and the B.C. vaccine cardat: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/covid-19/vaccine/proof

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9/2/2021 B.C. launches proof of vaccination to stop spread of COVID-19 | BC Gov News

https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2021HLTH0053-001659 1/1

How it works

As of Sept. 13, people in British Columbia will be required to be partially vaccinated with at least one dose of aCOVID-19 vaccine to access certain businesses and events.As of Oct. 24, people in British Columbia will be required to be fully immunized, at least seven days afterreceiving two doses of COVID-19 vaccine, to access the same list of businesses and events.In the interim, in areas where community transmission is increased significantly or where there are outbreaks,the requirements to be fully vaccinated to access these events and activities may be required at the directionof the local medical health officer.Here is the full list of settings where proof of vaccination will be required:

indoor ticketed sporting eventsindoor concertsindoor theatre/dance/symphony eventsrestaurants (indoor and patio dining)night clubscasinosmovie theatresfitness centres/gyms (excluding youth recreational sport)businesses offering indoor high-intensity group exercise activitiesorganized indoor events (eg. weddings, parties, conferences, meetings, workshops)discretionary organized indoor group recreational classes and activities

Individual businesses or event organizers may also implement these requirements earlier as part of theirongoing safety plans. Businesses or institutions choosing to adopt their own vaccination policies beyond thoseset out in this order will be responsible for doing their own due diligence.Individuals will be able to confidentially access their proof of vaccination through a secure website. A weblinkwill be provided and publicized widely before Sept. 13. To access proof of vaccination an individual will need:

namedate of birthpersonal health number (PHN)

Individuals will be able to save a copy of their proof of vaccination to their phone to show when entering orusing designated businesses and events.A second, secure option will be provided for people who cannot access their proof of vaccination onlinethrough a call-in centre (call centre details to be made public in coming days).Individuals will show proof of vaccination in the settings listed in the PHO order, alongside valid governmentID.Proof of vaccination will also be required for people visiting from outside of B.C. using a provincially/territoriallyrecognized official record alongside valid government ID from the jurisdiction. For individuals visiting fromoutside of Canada, they will be required to show their proof of vaccination used to enter the country and theirpassport.The measures will be time limited through to Jan. 31, 2022, subject to possible extension.The measures set out above do not apply to K-12 schools (public and independent) and before-and-afterschool programs for students. Student-only events and activities within K-to-12 public and independentschools and before and after school programs are excluded from providing a proof of vaccine as they will becovered by specific guidelines for school and child care settings. Guidance for these settings related tostudents will be provided in the coming days. The measures do apply to large indoor events (theatre,concerts) attended by parents, family and/or the public. The measures set out above will, as relevant, apply to post-secondary campuses. Student housing will be apart of the public health order identifying where proof of vaccination is required and will be in effect for Sept. 7.Further guidance for these settings related to students will be developed in the coming days in consultationwith public health, including which types of student housing facilities will be included.

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9/2/2021 Mask mandate to reduce transmission, protect people in public spaces | BC Gov News

https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2021HLTH0053-001665 1/1

As of Wednesday, Aug. 25, 2021, masks must be worn in all indoor public spaces throughout B.C. to help slow thetransmission of COVID-19 as B.C. prepares for the fall and respiratory illness season.

A new order from the provincial health officer will require people 12 and older to wear masks in indoor publicsettings, regardless of vaccination status. These settings include:

malls, shopping centres, coffee shops and retail and grocery stores;liquor and drug stores;airports, city halls, libraries, community and recreation centres;restaurants, pubs and bars (unless seated);on public transportation, in a taxi or ride-sharing vehicle;areas of office buildings where services to the public are provided;common areas of sport and fitness centres when not engaged in physical activity;common areas of post-secondary institutions and non-profit organizations; andinside schools for all K-12 staff, visitors and students in grades 4-12.

This temporary order will be reassessed as the B.C. vaccine card requirement is fully implemented in certain socialand recreational settings, as announced on Aug. 23.

“As transmission of COVID-19 increases in B.C., primarily among unvaccinated people and in part due to the Deltavariant, it’s important to take this extra temporary step to make indoor public spaces safer for everyone,” said Dr.Bonnie Henry, provincial health officer. “We need to continue doing the things that protect us, including wearingmasks in indoor, public areas, practising hand hygiene regularly, staying away if we are sick and keeping a respectfuldistance from people. And most important of all, every person should get vaccinated to protect themselves, theirloved ones and their community.”

For the purposes of this order, a mask or face covering is defined as a medical or non-medical mask that covers thenose and mouth. Face shields are not a substitute for a mask, as there is an opening below the mouth.

“As unvaccinated people continue to get sick and hospitalized with COVID-19, we’re taking another step to ensurewe overcome COVID-19 together, and that we move forward together,” said Adrian Dix, Minister of Health. “Ourpandemic has always been about making good choices with the information we have and making the best choices tokeep people safe. Now more than ever, we need to follow the advice and orders of the provincial health officer.”

People who cannot wear a mask or who cannot put on or remove a mask without the assistance of others areexempt. A person may not be able to wear a mask for a psychological, behavioural or health condition, or due to aphysical, cognitive or mental impairment.

Masks may be removed temporarily in indoor public places to identify the individual wearing the mask, to consumefood or beverage at a location designated for this purpose, while participating in a sport or fitness activity in a sportfacility or while receiving a personal or health service that requires the mask to be removed.

Masks are not recommended for children under the age of two, but should be encouraged for children aged two to12 in public settings. Children older than 12 must wear a mask in a public indoor space, unless they are exempt.

Learn More:

For information on the latest provincial health officer’s orders and guidance, non-medical issues (such as travelrecommendations) and how to manage social isolation, visit: www.gov.bc.ca/COVID-19

For more information and latest medical updates on COVID-19, visit the BC Centre for Disease Control’swebsite: http://www.bccdc.caOr follow on Twitter: @CDCofBC

For information on how to register and book a COVID-19 appointment, visit: www2.gov.bc.ca/getvaccinated

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