# 2022-119 Careers, COVID-19

Case summary

F&R Date: 2025-02-10

The grievor disputed his Commanding Officer's (CO) decision to require members of his unit travelling within the unit's area of responsibility (AOR) to receive a third dose of the COVID-19 vaccine. He claimed that the “mandate” to receive a third dose was implemented arbitrarily, had no operational basis, and intimated members in his unit into involuntarily receiving medical treatment. The grievor stated that he was essentially demoted to clerical duties unbefitting of his rank due to his refusal to receive a third dose. As redress, the grievor requested to either continue his regular duties without a third dose or be granted assignment to an AOR that did not require a third dose. 

The Canadian Forces Grievance Authority determined that article 7.13(c) of the Queen's Regulations and Orders for the Canadian Forces applied, thus referring the grievance directly for Final Authority (FA) adjudication. 

The Committee found that the CO had the authority to issue an order to require a third dose within his AOR. The Committee stated that the order was temporary and proportional based on the recommendations of the senior medical advisor and limited healthcare resources in the remote communities within the AOR. The Committee further found that as the grievor was not subject to remedial or other administrative measures for refusing a third dose, there was no evidence to show that he was impacted financially or that his military career was negatively affected. As such, the Committee found that he had not been aggrieved and recommended that the FA not afford redress.