2021 Youth Essay Contest

There has been a lot of debate about whether governments, airlines, universities, event venues, private businesses and other entities will require proof of COVID-19 vaccination to access their services. Moreover, there is concern that certain workplaces may try to mandate vaccines for employees, and that certain government benefits may only be distributed to vaccinated individuals.

Canadians have the right to give their voluntary, informed consent to any medical treatment. There are concerns that this is a new vaccine, and that a vaccine passport would violate privacy, medical confidentiality, Charter rights to freedom of conscience and religion, mobility rights, and the right to liberty and security of the person under the Charter.

Our 2021 essay question is:

Should citizens who refuse to get vaccinated have the same rights and freedoms as those who do get vaccinated?

To assist your research as you write your essay, see the Justice Centre’s work on this topic:

• https://www.jccf.ca/the-issue-of-mandatory-vaccines/
• https://www.jccf.ca/mandatory-vaccinations-and-vaccine-passports/
• https://rumble.com/vftvan-mandatory-vaccinations-and-vaccine-passports.html

2020 Essay Contest Question

Which government-mandated lockdown measures are justifiable, which are not, and why?

2020 essay contest winners

• First Place - Anonymous
• Second Place - Emma Little
• Third Place - Anonymous