Ford, GM end mask mandates in Canada; Stellantis keeps one in place

Some Detroit Three automakers are relaxing some COVID-19 health and safety policies now that Ontario has dropped its mask mandate.

General Motors Canada said in a statement to Automotive News Canada that it has made “mask use optional in all locations outside of Quebec, where masks are still required by the province.”

“This change is a result of improving COVID-19 conditions and updated public-health guidance,” GM Canada spokesman Monte Doran said in an email. “Our policy for employees to be fully vaccinated or have an approved exemption remains in place at this time.”

GM employs about 3,800 people at two plants in Ontario.

Ford Canada is also making masks optional, beginning March 28.

“We will continue to monitor the situation and if appropriate, we will reinstate mandatory mask usage in our facilities,” Ford Canada said in a memo to Unifor, which the union posted online.

The automaker confirmed the date to Autotmotive News Canada on Tuesday.

In the memo, Ford said the decision was “based on improvements in COVID-19 data and recent changes to public health guidance on indoor face mask usage.”

“Ford will continue to provide masks for those who voluntarily choose to wear them,” the memo says.

Ford is still requiring its employees to complete a daily COVID-19 self-certification survey before they report to work. It's also extended the deadline for employees to get vaccinated.

"As the dynamic COVID-19 situation evolves, we have extended our vaccination policy requirement that all personnel must be fully vaccinated before entering any Company facility (subject to an approved accommodation for a reason related to a protected human rights ground, such as a medical requirement) from March 28, 2022 to May 2, 2022," Ford Canada said in an email to Automotive News Canada. "Other protocols including daily self screening; workstation, office and common area disinfecting; the encouragement of hand hygiene, and physical distancing when possible remain in place."

Ford employs about 3,400 people at its Oakville Assembly Plant outside Toronto.

Meanwhile, Stellantis Canada has made no changes to its COVID-19 policies.

“At this time, Stellantis employees are expected to follow the protective measures put in place for their safety, including wearing masks, until further notice,” company spokeswoman LouAnn Gosselin said in an email. “There is no change to our vaccine policy.”

Stellantis requires all employees, contractors and visitors at their Canadian facilities be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 — and they must show proof.

Stellantis employs about 6,400 people at two plants — a minivan plant in Windsor, Ont. and a car plant in Brampton, Ont. — but a shift is scheduled to be cut in Windsor later this year.