Canadian manufacturers in favour of vaccine passport, finds CME survey

A recent survey conducted by Canadian Manufacturers & Exporters (CME) finds that more than two out of three Canadian manufacturers (69 percent) support the use of a vaccine passport in their companies, but less than a quarter require it.

The results show that most Canadian manufacturers are in favour of vaccine mandates and passports to protect their employees and families. However, they expect strong, clear guidance from governments at all levels.

Around 1,000 manufacturing companies across Canada participated in the survey. CME states that the main concern that manufacturers have regarding vaccine passports is the legal risks.

“Right now, there is a lack of clarity about the use of the vaccine passport in the workplace. Businesses want to make sure their hands are free to move forward. Provinces must provide companies with the necessary tools to reduce the risks,” said Dennis Darby, CEO of CME.

CME is also requesting flexibility for fully vaccinated workers if a provincial government mandates a vaccine passport for the industry.

“While some governments have begun to roll out mandates and passport systems, the focus is often on retail and public places, and not on how the rules can and will apply to manufacturers and their 1.7 million employees in the country. We believe that with clearer rules, vaccination levels will increase, and manufacturers who can prove their workforce is vaccinated, can return to pre-covid operational health and safety guidelines,” says Darby.

Vaccination remains a key element for manufacturers. A majority of them are encouraging and promoting it to their employees.