(File photo/ paNOW Staff)

By Nigel Maxwell

Playing by the rules

Shellbrook stays the course on proof of vaccination policy

Oct 20, 2021 | 2:00 PM

The option to pursue a stricter proof of vaccination policy or continue following the current provincial guidelines, was among the topics of discussion this week in Shellbrook.

Town council was asked to vote on a motion to follow the lead of other municipalities such as Prince Albert which require members of the public over 12 years of age, entering a City facility, to present proof of being fully vaccinated against COVID-19 or negative COVID-19 test result. Shellbrook Mayor Amund Otterson was in favour of stricter rules and told paNOW he’s looking at the bigger picture after numerous conversations with local physicians.

“Even though our hospital is not designated as a COVID hospital, it is populated with some COVID patients, primarily recovering patients,” he said.

In the end council voted to stay with the current provincial regulations which mandates proof of vaccinations at restaurants and liquor stores, as well as recreation and entertainment events such as concerts, movie theaters, bingo halls and casinos. Municipalities have been given the freedom to enforce stricter measures at their own facilities if they so choose.

One of the central arguments for Shellbrook not enforcing a stricter policy, was concern what impact it may have on the ability of youth in the community to access sports. Otterson said he understands the argument related to mental health.

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“Giving them some physical activity is well known to combat depression, and bad feelings,” he said.

Moving forward Otterson said he does not expect the issue to return to council unless a member of the public brings it forward or if the province introduces more stringent regulations.

Mayor Amund Otterson. (Nigel Maxwell/ paNOW Staff)

Chezanne Shewchuk, a board member for Shellbrook Minor Sports, and a secretary at the local elementary school was asked to speak during council’s meeting Monday.

“By implementing a vaccine passport, it really only affects the children,” she told paNOW.

She went on to explain that in the case of a child who is under 12, and their parents aren’t vaccinated, and thereby can’t come into a rink, they may just decide instead to just pull their child from hockey.

Shewchuck, who also has a background in victim services, explained she has done extensive research on mental health of children and explained in 2019 the kids help phone in Canada received 900,000 calls. In 2020, they received 2.1 million calls.

“And that’s because I feel kids are losing their normalcy. We pulled them out of school; we pulled them away from their friends; we pulled them away from all their activities and we took away what keeps kids healthy,” she said.

As a result of council’s decision this week, those children registered with Prince Albert Minor Hockey or other sports such as figure skating, will essentially be under a different set of rules when they travel to Prince Albert for competitions. Shewchuk acknowledged that was considered.

“Our mentality is that if we can still get our kids out to the practices; if we if we can get them to the games in Shellbrook, then we can get our kids to the rinks two days a week at least,” she said.

Noting she and and all her family are fully vaccinated, Shewchuk re-iterated her concern is for the children whose parents have opted not to get vaccinated. She added though the great thing about a small community like Shellbrook, is one way or another those kids will still be brought to Prince Albert

“If I have to throw two or three kids in my vehicle to get them to hockey, then so be it,” she said.

Prince Albert City Council approves vaccination exemption

During Monday’s meeting, city council approved a 90-day grace period for kids who’ve turned 12, or will soon.

During this time, they can continue to play organized sports, take part in public events, and enter non-essential businesses. The time limit will only start when the child turns 12.

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— with files from Jaryn Vecchio

nigel.maxwell@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @nigelmaxwell