Two of Canada’s biggest general contractors have announced that they will be implementing vaccination verification requirements for their employees.
Starting November 01, PCL Construction and DonEllis will require any Canadian employees that are conducting business at any location to be fully vaccinated for COVID-19. The two general contractors have also indicated that from November 01 onward, testing will not be offered as an alternative to full immunization.
In a joint release, both companies have stated that employees have the option to request to be exempted from the vaccination requirement – but only for a proven medical condition or for other applicable human rights issues.
"Being fully vaccinated is the most effective way to reduce the spread of COVID-19," said PCL president and CEO Dave Filipchuk. "PCL has instituted strict safety protocols throughout the pandemic, and this vaccination requirement is the next step in our ongoing commitment to keeping employees, clients, business partners and our communities safe.”
"Our dedication to safety will never waver," commented EllisDOn president and CEO Geoff Smith. "Protecting and taking care of each other, and our families, speaks directly to the values we champion at EllisDon each and every day."
Filipchuk has added that PCL is especially pleased to participate in this joint initiative with EllisDon, and hopes that other general contractors and subtrade partners across Canada will join them in implementing similar measures.
On top of the vaccination requirement, the two general contractors will continue to comply with existing protocols and rules regarding physical distancing, masking, screening, rapid testing, personal protective equipment and other pandemic-related measures, a release said.
