By Josh Hall (Twitter: @Vancan19)

"lack of consistent vaccine documentation"

Costs, logistics among reasons RDP not mandating vaccines as nine other schools do

Sep 13, 2021 | 5:24 PM

Nine post-secondary institutions in Alberta announced vaccinate mandates on Monday, but not Red Deer Polytechnic (RDP).

The group includes the University of Alberta, University of Calgary, University of Lethbridge, MacEwan University, Medicine Hat College, Mount Royal University, NAIT, SAIT and NorQuest College.

At those schools, campus community members and visitors will be required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19, proof will be required, and rapid testing will no longer be accepted as an alternative to vaccination, except for those who cannot be vaccinated due to medical or other grounds outlined in the Alberta Human Rights Act.

In late August, RDP announced face coverings would be required in all learning spaces, and that all individuals should check-in each day they’re on campus using the COVID-19 Contact Tracing checklist, available on the SAFE RDC App.

rdnewsNOW asked RDP why it wasn’t part of Monday’s announcement, and if RDP works with other institutions on these types of decisions.

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“We are aware that some of Alberta’s post-secondary institutions have implemented policies requiring COVID-19 vaccines, rapid testing and other protocols that they deem appropriate for their institutions,” writes Jim Brinkhurst, Vice President, College Services.

“Red Deer Polytechnic has no existing requirements for students or employees to be vaccinated for COVID-19, nor to implement rapid testing. Factors such as costs and logistical implementation, including current lack of consistent vaccine documentation, are among the reasons that the institution has determined that mandatory vaccines and rapid testing will not be implemented at this time. However, we strongly encourage everyone on our campuses to be vaccinated. We were pleased to host a vaccine clinic at our institution last week, as part of our ongoing efforts to encourage vaccinations.”

Brinkhurst adds that RDP continues to closely monitor pandemic conditions, and that the institution will adapt as needed as time goes on.

Second-year student Paul Figler spoke to rdnewsNOW Monday, saying, “The choice of RDP to exclude itself from requiring students and faculty to be fully vaccinated is disappointing to say the least. Furthermore, not following in the footsteps of the other large schools in the province is shameful. RDP should be a leader among secondary institutions in Alberta, not a laggard.”

Claire Stange, a second-year student, also spoke to rdnewsNOW, and shares in that frustration.

“When nine other schools, including big names like U of A and U of C are mandating vaccines, it wouldn’t be hard for RDP to follow their lead. As a student, it feels like my safety and the safety of my classmates is less important than saving money,” she says.

“I think this is the best way to ensure a safe campus for everyone, and it will give everyone peace of mind knowing that others around them are protected as well. I absolutely believe that the money is worth spending for safety’s sake.”

According to the joint announcement Monday, the nine schools are taking a coordinated approach to ensuring the safety of all on campus.

“It is an approach to health and safety that is best suited for the learning, studying, researching, working, and living environments of our campuses,” the release states. “The safety of the large and diverse communities of post-secondary campuses remains the top consideration when making both short-term and long-term plans throughout the pandemic.”