1188297
Mr. Brad Vis, MP, Mission-Matsqui-Fraser Canyon
Dear Mr. Vis:
Thank you for your email and letter of January 20, 2021, regarding the COVID-19 pandemic. I am responding on behalf of the Honourable Adrian Dix, Minister of Health. I apologize for the delay in communication.
We appreciate you writing to share your concerns for correctional officers working in the five federal correctional institutions in Mission-Matsqui-Fraser Canyon. As you may know, BC's COVID-19 Immunization Plan happens in four phases. The phased approach is based on expert advice and guidance from the National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI), BC’s Immunization Committee, and the public health leadership committee. NACI recommends certain populations receive prioritization for early COVID-19 vaccination.
In Canada, provinces or territories are in charge of determining how correctional employees are prioritized as part of the overall provincial population. In British Columbia, once additional vaccines are approved and become available, people between the ages of 18 and 64 who are front-line essential workers or work in specific workplaces or industries may be included in the later part of Phase 3. I can confirm that correctional staff are scheduled to be immunized in April 2021, or later.
It's important to understand the timeline for each phase may change due to vaccine availability. All people in BC recommended to receive the vaccine will have the opportunity to get it in 2021. It is important to note, vaccine supply is distributed by the Government of Canada and BC receives an allocated number of doses of vaccine on a weekly basis.
I appreciate the opportunity to respond, and hope you find this information helpful.
Sincerely,
Thomas
Executive Director
Improvement through every concern.
Patient and Client Relations
Corporate Issues and Client Relations
Ministry of Health