Baker McKenzie represented McMaster College in defending its required COVID-19 vaccination coverage on judicial overview. 4 Candidates questioned for an exemption from the University’s required vaccination policy, citing religious and conscience grounds. The University refused their exemption requests, proclaiming no connection in between their religious beliefs and refusal to obtain the COVID-19 vaccine.
The Applicants challenged the University’s authority to put into action the coverage. They also claimed the University breached their human legal rights and that the University’s process for assessing their promises was unfair and biased. The Courtroom dismissed all of the Applicants’ promises. It also highlighted how diligent and fair the University’s procedures and reps had been in creating a overview approach and evaluating programs under it.
This is the first situation in the Ontario courts to offer with the challenge on the merits as a substitute of by means of injunctive relief. This final decision also has sector-broad implications as every College and College or university in Ontario has some type of necessary vaccination coverage.
The Baker McKenzie crew advising McMaster College was George Avraam, Ahmed Shafey and Ajanthana Anandarajah, with exclusive support from Juliette Mestre and Eleanor Dennis.
For far more depth, read the Law Moments posting McMaster University wins judicial review above elimination of students for refusing COVID-19 vaccine.
Helen Saulnier 
