TransLink has implemented a mandatory vaccination policy for all employees.

All staff must be fully vaccinated by November 29, the Metro Vancouver transit authority announced in an October 8 news release.

The mandate for the 8,300 employees of TransLink, Coast Mountain Bus Company, the Transit Police, and the B.C. Rapid Transit Company came two days after Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and deputy prime minister Chrystia Freeland announced that all employees of federally regulated transportation sectors will have to be fully vaccinated.

The Ottawa mandate applies to air, rail, and marine sectors, so B.C. Ferries staff (but not passengers), being regulated by Transport Canada, will have to be fully vaccinated. 

The TransLink announcment also came three days after the B.C. government declared that all public-service employees will have to have both shots by November 22.

“We know vaccination is our best shield against this virus, and implementing this policy is an important next layer in protecting our employees and customers,” TransLink CEO Kevin Quinn said in the statement. “This decision comes at a critical time, as more people return to transit. It’s vital we do all we can to stop the spread of COVID-19.” 

TransLink said that it will be providing clarification regarding "the small number of employees who may be medically exempt" from the new policy.