Maritime universities report high rates of vaccination among students ahead of September classes
Maritime universities are encouraging students to get vaccinated before returning to campus, but none are making it mandatory.
The question has been posed at post-secondary institutions across the country.
With students returning to class in just a few weeks, only two Canadian schools have made the decision to make vaccinations mandatory: The University of Ottawa, and Seneca College in the Greater Toronto Area.
No on-campus vaccination requirement has been recommended by any of the three Maritime public health authorities.
"We had that discussion in the spring and early in the summer," says Jeffrey Carleton, St. Thomas University's association vice-president. "We reached out and consulted with public health on what the best route to go was. We've watched vaccination rates carefully. We've also surveyed our students."
Carleton says the university's survey suggested a high number of students would be fully vaccinated once classes began Sept. 8 "at a much higher rate than other people their age in New Brunswick."
Carleton says 96 per cents of students stated they had already or intended to be fully vaccinated by September.
"We're confident with what students have told us about vaccines," says Carleton. "We're going to follow the direction of public health with regard to awareness and education."
Acadia University in Wolfville, N.S. also surveyed students about their vaccination status or intentions.
"We had more than 90 per cent of students indicating they will be vaccinated when they come, so again a very high percentage," says Daniel Keefe, Acadia University's provost and vice-president academic.
"We don't think a mandatory vaccination policy is necessary. We're following the route of education and encouragement."
Several COVID-19 vaccination clinics are scheduled on Maritime university campuses in early September.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Canada Post presents union with 'framework' to reach deal as strike continues
Canada Post says it has presented the union representing some 55,000 striking postal workers with a framework to reach negotiated agreements.
'Devastating': Missing Surrey, B.C. teen found dead, family says
The family of a missing 18-year-old, who was last seen in Surrey over a month ago, says there has been a tragic end to the search.
PM Trudeau 'surprised' provinces unanimous on accelerated defence spending: Ford
Ontario Premier Doug Ford says his fellow provincial leaders are united in pushing for Canada to meet its NATO defence spending targets ahead of schedule, and that Prime Minister Justin Trudeau was "surprised" to hear it.
developing Emergency crews battle large fire at Kitchener, Ont. townhouse complex
Waterloo Regional Police say Kingsway Drive will remain closed as emergency crews continue to battle a large blaze at a townhouse complex.
Stellantis CEO Carlos Tavares resigns as carmaker continues to struggle with slumping sales
Stellantis CEO Carlos Tavares is stepping down after nearly four years in the top spot of the automaker, which owns car brands like Jeep and Ram, amid an ongoing struggle with slumping sales.
Poilievre calls for asylum seeker cap, border plan as U.S. tariff threat looms
Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre has demanded the federal government present a plan before Parliament to beef up border security as U.S. president-elect Donald Trump threatens to impose stiff tariffs on Canada.
'Wicked' star Marissa Bode speaks out against 'harmful' ableist comments made about her character
'Wicked' actress Marissa Bode posted a video on TikTok asking for kindness after receiving ableist comments on social media.
The best tips to prepare your car for the winter
Slippery or snow-covered roads, reduced visibility and bitter cold are all conditions that can make driving difficult and even dangerous during cold weather months. CAA spoke with CTV Morning Live this week on some of the best ways you can winterize your car.
One man dead after shooting at Kitchener's 'A Better Tent City'
One man is dead after an afternoon shooting at 49 Ardelt Ave. in Kitchener.