Witness Testimony

Katrina Burns testified that she worked as a substitute teacher within the Halifax Regional Centre for Education and began a long-term Grade 2/3 position at Sycamore Elementary in September 2021. She described extensive school COVID protocols, including masking, sanitizing, limited movement within schools, and strict illness screening. She testified that masking negatively affected students’ emotional expression, breathing comfort, and social interaction, and that some children exhibited anxiety related to COVID transmission concerns.
Burns stated that she declined COVID vaccination due to concerns about rapid rollout and perceived pressure. She described experiencing intense social pressure from community members and family. She further testified about a hospital visit in October 2021 for chest pain, during which she believed her unvaccinated status resulted in differential treatment and dismissal of her cardiac concerns. When Nova Scotia implemented mandatory vaccination for teachers in October 2021, she applied for an exemption, which was denied. She offered to continue masking and undergo regular testing, but this alternative was rejected.
She testified that she was placed on unpaid administrative leave effective December 1, 2021, after training her replacement and completing parent-teacher interviews. Multiple parents expressed support for her retention, including a written letter to provincial officials. Burns stated that losing her position led to financial strain, relocation from her community, strained relationships, and significant mental health impact for her and her family. She concluded that the experience fundamentally changed her trust in institutions and her approach to questioning public policy.