President's message: BC Colleges statement on vaccine mandates

A message from VCC president Ajay Patel

Good afternoon VCC community,

As colleges across the province prepare for full on-campus activity, BC Colleges has written a statement in response to the new B.C. Public Health Orders regarding mask mandates and the new BC Vaccine Card.  

Click to download and read the BC Colleges news release. [PDF]

It is important to remember that in B.C., colleges operate differently from universities and are considered agents of government under the Colleges and Institutes Act. We follow the advice of the Provincial Health Officer.  

Colleges are considered low-risk environments. For the past 18 months and prior to vaccine availability, VCC remained open and successfully navigated the challenges of the pandemic with no person-to-person, on-campus transmissions.   

With the recent increase in vaccinations across the province, I am confident in our ability to incorporate the new mask mandate as the best course of action to continue to keep our community safe.  

BC Colleges shares this confidence and commitment to follow the orders set out by the Provincial Heath Officer (PHO).

We will continue to respond to the needs of our community during this health crisis by following the recommendations and guidelines set by the PHO, with the understanding that this issue is dynamic and will continue to evolve. We will provide the community with updates accordingly. 

Please help us keep our community safe and get vaccinated if you are able. You can learn more about vaccinations at gov.bc.ca/getvaccinated. 

Sincerely, 

Ajay Patel
President and CEO
Vancouver Community College