Ontario could see 50,000 education workers fired if COVID-19 vaccines mandated: Lecce

Ontario's education minister says 50,000 people couldlose their jobs if the province mandated COVID-19 vaccines for education workers.

Responding to the NDP in question period today, Stephen Lecce said such a policy would mean pink slips for tens of thousands of educators when Ontario already faces staffing challenges.

He says any unvaccinated staff member has to provide proof of anegative test to enter a school.

The government says the 50,000 figure includes education workerswho are unvaccinated or won't disclose their status.

Earlier this month Lecce said about 80 per cent of school staff have attested to being fully vaccinated against COVID-19.

Some school boards, such as theTorontoDistrict School Board and some hospitals, have enacted tougher policies that include possible termination.