Witness Testimony

Artur Anselm, a 25-year-old track maintainer employed by Canadian National Railways, testified that his employer implemented a vaccine mandate in November 2021 requiring employees to be vaccinated or be placed off work without pay. He stated that he received his first COVID-19 vaccine dose under pressure due to concerns about losing his employment and supporting his family. Approximately one to two weeks after vaccination, he developed flu-like illness followed by chest pain, heart palpitations, shortness of breath, and weakness. After multiple medical visits and a cardiology referral, he was diagnosed with pericarditis and myocarditis, and a cardiologist advised against receiving a second dose. He testified that the condition significantly impacted his physical capacity, mental health, and family life, and that no adverse event reporting was discussed during his initial medical consultations.