COVID-19 vaccine mandate could mean 50,000 education workers fired: Lecce

Ontario’s education minister says 50,000 people could be out of a job if the province mandated COVID-19 vaccines for education workers.

Responding to the NDP in question period today, Stephen Lecce said this type of policy would mean pink slips for tens of thousands of educators when Ontario already faces staffing challenges.

Any unvaccinated staff member currently has to provide proof of a negative test to enter a school.

The government says education workers who are unvaccinated or won’t disclose their status make up the 50,000 figure.

Earlier this month Lecce said around 80 per cent of school staff have confirmed they are fully vaccinated against COVID-19.