C-278 makes it so the federal government can’t make mandates or regulations that would restrict people based on their vaccination status against COVID-19.
Changes are made to the Financial Administration Act and the Canada Labour Code to make it so vaccination against COVID-19 cannot be a term of employment for federal public employees, nor can they be terminated or punished in any way for not being vaccinated against COVID-19.
C-278 also adjusts the Aeronautics Act, the Railway Safety Act, and the Canada Shipping Act to ensure nobody can be prohibited from boarding any form of transport (planes, trains, and boats respectively) based on their COVID-19 vaccination status.
Sponsorship Change
On December 13, 2022 Pierre transferred the sponsorship of C-278 to Dean Allison (CPC, ON, Niagara West). Dean chose not to proceed with C-285 – Medical Freedom Act, so C-278 will take its place in the Order of Precedence.
Author’s Thoughts
Honestly C-278 is a terrible piece of legislation. It only deals with COVID-19 vaccinations, and could easily become obsolete before it even gets to its Third Reading. (Assuming COVID-19 vaccinations are even still required for federal employees at this point) It would be a lot better if it applied to vaccination status instead of COVID-19 vaccination status. Otherwise this just sounds like something intended to get sound bites and make headlines instead of something that would have an actual impact on anything.