Exemptions
Exemptions from vaccinations
Vaccinations are NOT mandatory in Canada. “Unlike some countries, immunization is not mandatory in Canada; it cannot be made mandatory because of the Canadian Constitution. Three provinces require proof of immunization for school entrance: Ontario and New Brunswick for diphtheria, tetanus, polio, measles, mumps, and rubella immunization; Manitoba for measles. But, exceptions are permitted on medical or religious grounds and reasons of conscience; legislation and regulations must not be interpreted to imply compulsory immunization.” (Immunization in Canada; May, 1997; Vol 23S4 and Canadian National Report on Immunization; 1996).
This means that nobody in Canada can be forced to receive a vaccination. In some cases, nursery schools, daycares, and other schools which are privately owned and operated can demand vaccination for enrollment. But publically-funded schools and daycares cannot.
Furthermore, Canadian Medical Law clearly states that healthcare recipients must be informed of all significant risks posed by any invasive medical procedure that carries a risk of injury or death. Vaccination is such a procedure; every Canadian must have received and understood all the information that is pertinent to the vaccination(s) to which they consent.
- Legal Exemptions & Forms Note that in Ontario, exemption forms must be notarized by one of: a notary public, a lawyer, or a commissioner of oath (the latter is usually accessible at any municipal building).
- Canadian Medical Law: Informed Consent & Your Rights
- Ontario’s Day Nurseries Act (includes a provision for exemption from vaccination)
- Health Canada – Immunization is Not Mandatory in Canada
- Health Officials Violate the Public Trust
Health officials threaten expulsion of unvaccinated children in Ontario schools. - Letter to Ontario’s Chief Medical Health Officer Re: the Ontario Ministry of Health is failing in its duty to adequately inform parents and legal guardians of the availability of exemptions to vaccination for school entry.

