Friday, October 14, 2022

Canadian Forces and COVID-19 vaccination

Canadian Press reporter Lee Berthiaume recently published an interview with the Chief of the Defence Staff, General Wayne Eyre, regarding the evolving policies of the Canadian Forces (CF) regarding vaccination against COVID-19.

But the interview gives rise to further questions, including:

If this was such a big 'disciplinary' issue, and if 'disobedience of a lawful command' was such a threat to the 'habit of obedience' of CF personnel and the discipline, efficiency, and morale of the CF, then why were no charges laid under s 126 (Refusing immunization, tests, blood examination or treatment) or s 83 (Disobedience of a lawful command) of the National Defence Act (NDA)?

And if the issue was more of failure to comply with a 'condition of service' (albeit, one retrospectively imposed) then why do the CDS and other senior leaders keep characterizing this as a disciplinary issue involving the 'habit of obedience'?

It looks like the CF personnel affected by these decisions will have to wait for their grievances to be resolved.

In 3 to 5 years.

If they are lucky.

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