In early September, the Provincial Government under Doug Ford put a mandate in place that would require proof of vaccination for certain indoor activities. In the days that followed, clarity was offered on exemptions for participants 12-17 exempting them from having to provide proof of vaccination while participating in the sport. Many sport organizations from Hockey, Football, and Basketball all gave guidance in accordance to these new mandates. 

The OMHA, the governing body for Hockey in Ontario, mandated that regardless of this exemption, all participants must be fully vaccinated no later than October 31. After this mandate was sent out to the hockey association, many parents brought their kids to get their first dose, with the understanding they had until October 31st to get them fully vaccinated in order to participate in Hockey. 

On September 27th, the Windsor Essex County Health Unit (WECHU) provided guidance in which we believe is an overreach of power. They mandated that all facilities must require proof of vaccination no later than October 1st, 5 days after the mandate was released. We find this inconsistent with the Provincial Governments guidance, the city's guidance, and our governing bodies guidance. People already had to make a tough decision to get their kids vaccinated or don't have them play sports this fall. Many made the decision to do so, and are now being told that still can't participate starting Friday October 1st. 

This petition is to have the WECHU actually communicate with sports organizations, and to be consistent with previous guidance. We want this mandate rescinded and replaced with a mandate that wouldn't affect people who are complying. Grant an extension to those who are complying but won't have their children, or themselves fully vaccinated until the October 31st deadline. We need consistency, and we need to stand up when it's affecting our kids and our local sports organizations.