Saskatchewan to allow employers to ask workers for proof of vaccination

The Saskatchewan government said new regulations will allow employers to voluntarily opt in if they wish to implement a proof-of-vaccination or negative test policy for employees.

Employers in Saskatchewan outside the public service can ask employees if they are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 when new regulations come into force on Oct. 1.

Friday is when the province implements its proof-of-vaccination policy requiring people to show they are vaccinated when entering a number of businesses, including indoor dining, bars, gyms and indoor event venues.

The province said the new regulations will allow employers to voluntarily opt in if they wish to implement a proof of vaccination or negative test policy for employees.

A negative test would have to be provided by employees at least every seven days.

A backgrounder from the province said employers need to provide reasonable notice of the policy to every employee personally, by posting it in the workplace, by posting it on a secure website accessible to employees, or by any other means that ensure the employee is notified of the policy.

The province said employers can use a self-declaration process and are not required to collect or retain personal health information.

However, employers are required to establish a verification process for reviewing the evidence of vaccination or a negative test provided by employees, and keeping the information confidential.

The province said the Saskatchewan Employment Act provides a legal defence to employers exercising a power in good faith that is provided for in the act or by regulation, including businesses choosing to follow the new regulation — The Employers’ COVID-19 Emergency Regulations.