Vernon byelection candidates offer opinion on vaccine mandates

Photo: The Canadian Press

Castanet asked candidates in Vernon's council byelection to tell us their position on a number of issues.

Today, the candidates give their opinion on COVID-19 vaccine mandates.

Voters go to the polls Dec. 4.

Erik Olesen

I do believe in certain situations mandatory vaccinations are an important step in keeping people safe. I work in settings and know that if layers of protection were not in place, such as vaccinations, people may become very ill and risk exposing others to it, too. If someone truly has medical reasons to not get vaccinated, then I support that and the process needed to get those exemptions. I believe that there has been a divide created between unvaccinated and vaccinated that has created a lot of misinformation, including at times violence. We need to create space for both sides to speak about their concerns.

Ed Stranks

I support and encourage all those who can to be vaccinated, not for themselves, but for the people around them. Mandatory vaccinations should be determined, if necessary, by experts. If recommended by the province, and or Interior Health, I would fully support mandatory vaccinations.

Andy Wylie

I am double vaccinated. I do not believe in the freedom to spread polio either.

Kevin Demers

Mandatory vaccination is illegal in Canada. How could I support that as a sitting council member? I believe in body autonomy. Your body, your choice.

Teresa Durning

I believe in the science regarding vaccinations. The city/council should mandate yes to vaccinations based on that information.

Flora Evans

Mandatory vaccinations are a necessary step in getting out of this pandemic. Vaccination for COVID-19 is a moral duty to protect ourselves, our families, our health-care system, and other people in our society. Existing employees, new hires, contractors, and councillors should be mandated to take part, yes.

Sherrilee Franks

I believe everyone who can should get vaccinated. This is not about you, this is about us. I have had a friend have their cancer treatment postponed because of unvaccinated COVID patients in the Vernon hospital ICU.
I do not agree with mandatory vaccines nor do I think it's actually feasible to implement such a thing. I also believe there are some major gaps in the system right now for those who cannot get vaccinated.
I support the provincial government's direction in placing more limitations on unvaccinated and lifting restrictions on vaccinated people. I believe the City Council should follow public health orders. I do not believe they should be creating their own.

Art Gourley

I don't feel the need to make vaccinations mandatory. We don't know what they're shooting into us. I haven't taken the vaccine, and I won't. I don't like the idea of people losing their jobs if they don't take it.

Stephanie Hendy

Anyone that works in the company of other people should be vaccinated. Yes, the city and council should mandate the same. We all live in the same community, and we owe it to each other to look after everyone who lives in Vernon.

Catherine Lord

This is a provincial mandate, and I have faith in Dr. Henry. I am double vaccinated, wear a mask in all public places, wash my hands frequently, and keep my distance. I am in favour of the vaccine passport. I want safety for all our citizens. I’m not an epidemiologist, and trust the professionals to advise us on the best ways to achieve this.

Jamie Morrow

I do not believe in mandatory vaccinations. I do not believe the city/council should mandate mandatory vaccinations.