Chandos Construction will require all employees across the country to be fully vaccinated for COVID-19, following similar announcements by other major Canadian contractors.

“Over the past 18 months, Chandos, in partnership with trades and clients, has worked hard to implement the most effective preventative measures against COVID-19,” says Sean Penn, chief operating officer.

“Vaccines now represent the best tool we have to help reduce the spread of the virus. It’s our duty to protect the health of not only our team members but of all those we serve including customers and trade partners. We proudly stand alongside PCL Construction and EllisDon in establishing this early mandate for our industry.”

The company said vaccine requirement will be effective November 15, 2021. Exemptions may be granted, according to medical and human rights grounds. In addition, Chandos will continue to follow local, provincial, and national guidelines for safety at all its locations, including physical distancing and masking protocols.

“We’ve taken a leadership role from the beginning of the pandemic by mandating masks at all of our locations – even before governments made that decision,” says Tim Coldwell, president, Chandos. “This is a necessary next step.”

Coldwell urged the entire industry to follow suit and do the right thing. “Make vaccines mandatory. For everyone’s safety.”