To ensure a healthy and safe work environment for our employees and the sectors we regulate, the AGCO has implemented a mandatory COVID-19 vaccination policy that applies to all of our employees.
Background
On September 14, 2021, the Government of Ontario released regulations and a guidance document to support businesses and organizations in implementing proof of vaccination requirements, which takes effect on September 22, 2021. This follows the announcement made on September 1, 2021, that Ontario would require proof of vaccination in select settings.
According to the guidance document, proof of vaccination against COVID-19 does not apply to “…inspectors or others who are entering the business or organization for work purposes and not as patrons.” This means that, as inspectors, AGCO Compliance Officials, Race Officials, Veterinarian Clerks and Licensing Agents who are entering a business or organization for work purposes are exempt from the requirements to provide proof of identification and proof of vaccination against COVID-19.
Regulating in the Public Interest
Despite the above-noted exemption, the AGCO has determined that having a fully vaccinated workforce is in the best interest of our organization and the communities we serve and live in. We have therefore implemented a policy that requires all AGCO staff be fully vaccinated against COVID-19. This will help maintain a healthy and safe environment for our employees and the public we interact with during the course of our work.
Specifically, all AGCO employees, including our frontline Compliance Officials, Race Officials, Veterinarian Clerks and Licensing Agents, are required to be fully vaccinated by a Health Canada approved vaccine by November 12, 2021. AGCO employees who are not fully vaccinated in the period leading up to November 12, 2021 are required to undertake regular COVID-19 screening tests prior to their work shifts.
Implementing this policy supports our long-standing commitment to serving the public interest and will help ensure a safer work environment while helping to stop the spread of COVID-19 for everyone.
Additional Information
To learn more about Ontario’s guidance in supporting proof of vaccination in select settings, read this blog post. You can also visit our COVID-19 webpage that highlights the relevant requirements affecting businesses and organizations in its regulated sectors. As well, this Questions and Answers document published by the Ministry of Health helps clarify requirements under Ontario Regulation 364/20 (under the Reopening Ontario (A Flexible Response to COVID-19) Act, 2020 (ROA)) related to proof of vaccination against COVID-19.