Chatham-Kent is suspending its policy that requires councillors and committee members to be vaccinated against COVID-19 or undergo regular testing.
Council voted 9-7 Monday in support of suspending its vaccination verification and testing policy for council and committee members in full.
Councillors Brock McGregor, Aaron Hall, Carmen McGregor, Anthony Ceccacci, Trevor Thompson, John Wright, and Alysson Storey all voted against the motion.
The policy was put in place on October 4, 2021, following a recently implemented policy for municipal employees.
In the absence of full vaccination, members were previously required to provide proof of a negative test within 72 hours prior to conducting any activity associated with fulfilling their duties.
Now, councillors or committee members do not need to be vaccinated against COVID-19 or undergo testing as a condition to participate in municipal business on municipal premises.
"I think we all have an obligation to do the greater good and to keep everybody safe in the best way that we can and I don't think disclosing my personal health information sways that in one way or another," said Councillor Lauren Anderson.
Councillor Carmen McGregor entered an unsuccessful motion to postpone the initial motion until the municipal employee policy was also suspended in full.
The motion failed 8-8.
"I do believe individuals should have the right whether they want to get the vaccination or not get the vaccination," said Councillor Steve Pinsonneault. "I don't feel it should affect whether you sit on a board or sit on this council for that matter."
Councillor Amy Finn, who also agreed with Councillor Pinsonneault, felt council needed to look forward to the future.
"Last week I wasn't here because I wasn't feeling well, I wasn't testing positive for anything but I took that precaution," said Finn. "I do believe we have to take the stand and look forward to the future because I don't think it's going to go anywhere."
