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.

Links to Other Articles

• Canadian Vaccination Schedules (‘Recommended Immunization Schedules’, Public Health Agency of Canada – note that there are variations of these schedules depending upon the province and public health district sponsoring them. For the exact schedules, refer to the public health office in your area.)
  French version.