Toronto police to lift vaccine mandate

Toronto police will lift its COVID-19 vaccine mandate on June 21, according to the Toronto Sun's Joe Warmington.

A tweet posted by Warmington reads, "Toronto Police have told its rank and file members that COVID-19 vaccine mandates — that saw hundreds suspended without pay for non compliance — will be withdrawn as of June 21st. Police and civilians will be going back to work . . . More to come."

Later, TPS spokesperson Allison Sparkes confirmed the removal of the policy to True North in an emailed statement.

"The Service’s decision to rescind its COVID-19 Mandatory Vaccination Requirement was made in response to the current public health and occupational health context of the pandemic and the unique nature of its work and workplaces. Approximately 99% of our members are fully vaccinated and new hires are required to be fully vaccinated."

"Members currently on an unpaid absence will return to duty on June 21, 2022. Officers will be deployed as operationally required by the Service and civilian members will return to their original roles."

New recruits and new hires will be required to show proof of vaccination going forward. The TPS did not comment on whether lost wages for those who were suspended would be paid.

205 officers were relieved of their duties in November for not complying with the measures.