Premier Doug Ford says that his government will not make vaccination mandatory for hospital workers amid concerns about staffing shortages in the sector.

Ford made the announcement in a statement issued on Wednesday afternoon, effectively going against the advice of a number of experts, including members of the province’s own science table who had touted the mandate as an “evidence-based policy that protects Ontarians.”

“This is a complex issue. But when the impact of the potential departure of tens of thousands of health-care workers is weighed against the small number of outbreaks that are currently active in Ontario’s hospitals, I am not prepared to jeopardize the delivery of care to millions of Ontarians,” Ford said in the statement. “Having looked at the evidence, our government has decided to maintain its flexible approach by leaving human resourcing decisions up to individual hospitals.”

The Ontario Hospital Association, along with all three opposition parties at Queen’s Park, have been calling on the Ford government to implement a mandatory vaccination policy for hospital workers since July…read more.

The head of the New York City firefighters union said on Wednesday he had told unvaccinated members to report for duty regardless of an order by Mayor Bill de Blasio to place them on unpaid leave if they fail to get the COVID-19 shot.

New York City firefighters who have risked their own health to save lives during the coronavirus pandemic felt “insulted” by de Blasio’s order to get the shot or face suspension, said Andrew Ansbro, president of the Uniformed Firefighters Association.

“I have told my members that if they choose to remain unvaccinated, they must still report for duty,” Ansbro told a news conference. “If they are told they cannot work, it will be the department and city of New York that sends them home. And it will be the department and the city of New York that has failed to protect the citizens of New York,” Ansbro said.

The union represents firefighters, fire marshals and other fire department members.

Last week de Blasio gave some 50,000 employees of New York City a deadline of 5 p.m. on Friday to submit proof of vaccination against COVID-19. Those who fail to show proof could be sent home without pay…read more.

A job posting for a dishwasher at a Vancouver restaurant is gaining plenty of attention for its pay — $50,000 a year to be exact.

The Indeed job posting is for a dishwasher at Handi Grill. The posting said: “Pay per hour will be $25.00 for 40 hours per week. This is a permanent full-time position. No Experience or education is required, and training will be provided to the eligible candidate.”

Starting date? As soon as possible.

Filling the position quickly has become even more urgent as the province has said it will lift some of the last restaurant restrictions on Oct. 25 for most regions of British Columbia…read more.