REGINA - Some Saskatchewanians have chosen to interpret public health measures and the COVID-19 regulations as a mandatory immunization policy, and have gone to the trouble of securing affidavits objecting to immunization, says the Saskatchewan Health Authority. But these affadavits serve no purpose, the authority stresses.
The SHA adds some Commissioners of Oath in Saskatchewan are charging a fee to submit these affidavits for processing.
“As immunization is not mandatory, exemption is not required and these affidavits serve no purpose,” stated a release issued by the SHA Friday.
“Immunization in Saskatchewan is voluntary. Although the Proof of Vaccination public health measure that went into effect onto October 1 provides restrictions to the ability of unvaccinated residents to access events, public spaces or their places of work, these are not regulations, bylaws or orders under The Public Health Act, 1994 that require Saskatchewan citizens to be immunized,” states the SHA.
As well, the SHA points out, the Disease Control (COVID-19 Measures) Amendment Regulations, 2021, section 25.5 clearly states that evidence of being vaccinated or evidence of a valid negative test necessary to enter certain places “is not to be interpreted as making immunization mandatory."
The Saskatchewan Health Authority requests that any individuals considering submitting an affidavit in response to COVID-19 immunization do not do so. Affidavits are not entered into any health database and will be destroyed on receipt.
Regarding the proof of vaccination or negative test policy as set out under the current public health order: public health orders are lawful requirements made under legislative and regulatory authority. If a resident elects not to be vaccinated or cannot be vaccinated, presentation of a negative test will be the accommodation in order to access those non-essential businesses and services as outlined in the public health order. No other documentation will be accepted in lieu of proof of vaccination or a negative test result.
