Stellantis and General Motors will require all employees, contractors and visitors to all Canadian facilities be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 — and show proof — beginning in December.
Each automaker issued statements Thursday, announcing the policy change.
Stellantis will require proof of vaccination beginning Dec. 17 while GM will require proof starting Dec. 12.
“We are joining many other companies, from multiple sectors, supporting public-health initiatives to increase vaccination rates and further reduce the impact of COVID-19 across Canada,” GM Canada said in its statement. “Vaccination has been shown to be effective in reducing the transmission of the virus as well as reducing the health impacts if a vaccinated person does contract the virus.”
Stellantis in its statement said a vaccine mandate is “in the best interest of employee health and safety.”
“Since vaccines have become available, Stellantis has continued to strongly advocate for our employees to get vaccinated as the best way to protect against the transmission and reduce the severity of the illnesses associated with COVID-19,” Stellantis said.
GM Canada said exemptions and accommodations “will be rare and will be evaluated on an individual basis.”
Neither company said what would happen to employees who refuse the vaccine.
Ford of Canada has not announced a vaccination requirement.
