MISSISSAUGA, ONTARIO – Maple Leaf Foods announced on April 23 that it would hold its first on-site vaccine clinics for workers in collaboration with the Peel Region Public Health Authority and the Province of Ontario.

“Through this initiative, and subject to vaccine availability, we expect employees at our four plants located in the Peel Region (Brampton, Walker Road, Courtney Park and Canning) will have the opportunity to receive vaccinations on-site as early as next week,” the company said in its statement. “Participation in the vaccination clinics will be voluntary, but we are encouraging everyone to participate if they haven’t already received a vaccine.” 

Maple Leaf said workers at its Viau plant in Montreal will also have access to vaccines through a mobile clinic run by local public health authorities this week.

The meat processor is encouraging employees to access vaccines that are available in local communities as soon as they are eligible. If vaccine appointments are only available during working hours, Maple Leaf said it would provide time off with pay for employees who want to get vaccinated.