Mississauga councillors to show proof of vaccine

CanadiaNews – Mississauga

Council passed a motion that will require them to either show proof of vaccination or undergo regular testing for COVID-19 in order to attend committee meetings in person. In addition, Council also approved two extensions – the first for the sign by-law that was adjusted to allow sidewalk signs on City boulevards and portable signs within business improvement areas and the second, to continue with a virtual format for committee meetings.

“I strongly advocated for a province-wide proof of vaccination program to protect our residents, health care system, schools and to avoid the blanket closures that devastated so many of our small businesses over the past 18 months. Today, I am proud that Mississauga City Council took a stand and demonstrated their leadership and support for the proof of vaccination program by mandating that all Council Members must be fully vaccinated or undergo regular testing in order to attend in-person committee meetings,” said Mayor Bonnie Crombie. “This step also ensures that Council is aligned with the City’s vaccination policy for employees and volunteers. The pandemic is not over, but we are getting closer and closer everyday. Everyone can help by getting vaccinated and following all public health measures in place.”

Vaccinations or Regular Testing For Members of Council

The motion passed today, requires that all Members of Council show proof of full vaccination against COVID-19 or undergo testing to attend in-person committee meetings by November 1, 2021. The motion was raised by Councillor Matt Mahoney, Ward 8.

Previously, Council approved a vaccination policy for all City of Mississauga employees and volunteers on August 25, 2021.

Virtual Committee Meeting Extension

The extension approved today, may see all Committee meetings, including Committee of Adjustment, continue to be conducted virtually until July 1, 2022.

The City’s Council Procedure By-law and the City’s Committee of Adjustment Procedure By-law will be amended to accommodate the virtual format.

Sign By-law Extensions During the Pandemic

The Sign By-law was initially amended during the pandemic by Council on March 23, 2020 and was extended to July 1, 2021. It is now extended to September 1, 2022.

The exemption provides additional advertising opportunities for businesses and community groups allowing: