Witness Testimony

Bliss Behar, an 18-year-old high school graduate from Baie Verte, New Brunswick, testified regarding the impact of COVID-19 vaccine passport policies during their Grade 12 year. They stated that after choosing not to receive the COVID-19 vaccine, unvaccinated students were prohibited from participating in extracurricular activities, which they described as effectively “outing” their vaccination status to peers. In response to anticipated social stigma and exclusion, Behare withdrew from in-person schooling and completed courses online.
They testified that exclusion from music, theatre, art clubs, and other community activities resulted in significant social isolation and loneliness. Behare described encountering hostility toward unvaccinated individuals online and reported that relationships outside their immediate family were strained or severed. They stated that a friend was later prevented from meeting with them due to parental restrictions related to vaccination status.
Behare also testified that university opportunities were restricted due to institutional vaccination requirements, including policies that barred both in-person and online participation. They described feelings of despair and suicidal ideation during the height of mandates, stating that the uncertainty about the duration of restrictions contributed to a bleak outlook on the future. Although they reported that many measures have since lifted and they are now employed and attending college, they testified that their trust in government and public institutions has been permanently affected.