COVID-19 is a virus that can cause a serious medical illness, the risk of which can be effectively minimized by vaccinations. Recently, in Alberta, there has again been a very significant increase in infections with hospitalizations and admissions into intensive care rising rapidly. On Sept. 15, 2021, the government of Alberta declared a further state of public health emergency.
The Court of Appeal of Alberta, the Court of Queen’s Bench of Alberta and the Provincial Court of Alberta (the Courts) have a responsibility to provide a safe workspace that protects the health and safety of individuals who work in, visit or attend the Courts’ workspaces. Accordingly, the Courts have adopted mandatory vaccination policies which are effective as of Tuesday, Sept. 21, 2021. These Policies apply to all secure areas of courthouses used by judicial officers and certain staff to which public access is restricted.
As each of the three Courts has unique operational requirements, their respective Policies contain minor differences that address each Court’s specific needs. That said, the principles and purpose that underlie each Court Policy are consistent.
Effective Oct. 8, 2021, counsel, service providers and visitors wanting to access the secure areas of Alberta courthouses to which public access is restricted will be questioned about their vaccination status. Those who have not been vaccinated or who have not received a negative test from a privately-paid negative PCR or privately-paid negative rapid test completed not more than 48 hours prior to entry will be denied entry.
