Parenting Disputes over Vaccinating Children and Ontario’s Vaccine Passport
What is the Vaccine Passport?
Beginning on September 22, 2021, Ontario has implemented a Vaccine Passport, which is proof of Covid vaccination. The purpose of the vaccine passport is to allow access to non-essential services, such as restaurants, sports events and social gatherings. If you have been fully vaccinated, you can simply download proof of vaccination to your phone by visiting the Government of Ontario.
But what happens if you are in a dispute with your ex-partner about vaccinating your children?
Courts are seeing more disputes between ex-partners over whether to vaccinate their children. Even parents that have typically agreed on vaccinations in the past can struggle when it comes to the Covid vaccination. There are fears of the vaccination being too new, side effects and uncertainty about the vaccinations that are currently available. Added to this uncertainty is that schools have not made the Covid vaccination mandatory, contrary to previous expectations for schools and vaccines.
Recent cases in the courts have demonstrated that unless there is a specific reason for preventing the vaccination, such as an allergy or an adverse reaction, the courts will likely side with the parent who is pushing to have their child vaccinated.
In a recent case in the courts on September 21, 2021, the father wanted the children to be vaccinated, however, the mother did not. The judge focused the analysis on the best interests of the children, citing that in person classes are in the best interests of the children. The judge cited several medical and government sources and ultimately decided the children would receive the Covid vaccination.
It is unfortunate when you and your ex-partner disagree on parenting issues and it is always best for the children to try to resolve your disputes amicably.
Contact us anytime at SMP Law to help SiMPlify your legal matter at 905-565-9494 or email info@smplaw.ca if you have any questions or would like to book an appointment to meet and discuss your situation and how we can help.