Craftsman’s initiative reflects a push toward greater inoculation rates across Canada.

Back in October, the Craftsman Group of Companies announced a vaccination policy designed to protect staff, customers, key stakeholders and members of the community in which businesses from the group operate.

The policy required that existing staff and employees provide details of their vaccination status before November 30, 2021, plus all-new hires were required to receive full vaccination as a condition of employment.

Covers future requirements

The fully vaccinated requirement also covered the need for future Health Canada vaccinations, designed to keep both employees and customers safe in the advent of future virus spikes.

Health and safety have been a major priority for the Craftsman Group of companies and the brands it oversees, including Craftsman Collision, Craftsman Auto Glass Distinctive Auto Works, MB Autoworks, Wedge Clamp Systems and Craftsman Ventures.

These initiatives instigated by Craftsman are a major part of working towards a post-pandemic environment where things can get back to normal, or certainly, without ongoing restrictions related to staff operations and interaction with customers.

Although Craftsman so far, is the only collision centre network to officially announce a vaccine mandate for employees, many businesses across the country recognize the importance of taking steps to ensure staff are fully vaccinated.

During conversations Autosphere has had with any automotive sector businesses over the last few months, including automotive repair and collision facilities, many owners and managers stressed the importance of keeping staff and customers safe.

In discussion, one of the most effective ways to do that is by ensuring there is a clear, concise policy as it relates to vaccination and workplace requirements.

Beyond our industry, vaccine mandates continue to be rolled out in other sectors of the economy.

Federal initiatives

At the national level, the Government of Canada required all federal public sector workers to be fully vaccinated, along with those who work at or are customers of airlines, train and boat services.

On December 7, the Government of Canada announced that in 2022, the mandatory vaccination policy will also be expanded to encompass all federally regulated workplaces as well, which includes banks and large telecommunications companies.

Currently, Canada boasts one of the highest vaccination rates in the world:

• 76.1%* of the population fully vaccinated
• 80.9% of the population having received at least one dose of a Government of Canada approved vaccine (Moderna Spikevax COVID-19 vaccine, Pfizer-BioNTech Comirnaty COVID-19 vaccine and AstraZeneca Vaxzevria COVID-19 vaccine)

*Data current as of December 7, 2021 (source: COVID-19 Tracker Canada)