Canadian company criticized for job offer hiring only unvaccinated people

The owners of a Canada-based canoe company posted a controversial job posting that called only unvaccinated applicants.

“Please DO NOT apply if you have taken COVID-19 vaccines,” the Souris River Canoes job posting reads. “We will only consider unvaccinated people. “

The owners, who are married, were looking for two full-time positions and one part-time position. The posts were for six months, with the possibility of renewal.

The post sparked a reaction from customers on social media. “Requiring that staff not be vaccinated against Covid-19 as a condition of employment is both irresponsible and reckless at this point in the pandemic,” customer Rob Prdn said on Facebook.

The ad also went viral on Twitter, leading to negative reviews from Google.

Owners Keith and Arlene Robinson have doubled down on their response to criticism. An email posted to Reddit read, “We oppose government and business intimidation of people’s right to free health through vaccine warrants and passports. ”

They added, “You have the right to have your judgment and your opinions, just as we have the right to make our own hiring decisions.”

Wojtek Dabrowski, a public relations professional, told Financial post that the job posting sent the wrong message to clients. “Anytime you stand in the way of that by throwing something so off-putting, so offensive and frankly at a lot of people, as dangerous as asking only unvaccinated people to come and work in your store, you you embarrass. what it means to run a successful business, ”said Mr. Dabrowski.

This job offer came as vaccination mandates multiply across Canada. Employers in various industries tell employees to get vaccinated or find other employment.

Souris River Canoes did not respond to requests for comment from The independent.