Canada’s big construction players announce vaccination requirements

Two of Canada’s leading construction companies are taking steps to ensure the safety of their employees during the pandemic.

PCL Construction and DonEllis announced that both general contractors plan to implement vaccination verification requirements for the wellbeing of their employees, business partners, clients and communities.

Ensuring that employees are fully vaccinated is a key component of their commitment to safety.

As of November 1, both companies will require any Canadian employees that are conducting business at any location to be full vaccinated for COVID-19. From this date forward, testing will not be offered as an alternative to full immunization.

Employees have the option to ask to be exempted from this requirement because of a proven medical condition and/or other applicable human rights issues.

“Being fully vaccinated is the most effective way to reduce the spread of COVID-19,” said PCL’s President and CEO, Dave Filipchuk. “PCL has instituted strict safety protocols throughout the pandemic, and this vaccination requirement is the next step in our ongoing commitment to keeping employees, clients, business partners and our communities safe. We are especially pleased to participate in this initiative with EllisDon a respected industry peer. It is our hope that most general contractors and subtrade partners across Canada will soon join us.”

EllisDon President and CEO Geoff Smith echoed those sentiments.

“Our dedication to safety will never waver,” he said. “Protecting and taking care of each other, and our families, speaks directly to the values we champion at EllisDon each and every day.”

Both contractors will continue to follow existing COVID-19 protocols and rules relating to physical distancing, masking, screening, rapid testing, personal protective equipment and any other measures.