Witness Testimony

Jean-Philippe Chabot, a software quality analyst working for CBC/Radio-Canada’s digital media division in Montreal, testified that he had been working fully remotely during the pandemic and was able to perform all duties from home. In fall 2021, CBC required employees to disclose vaccination status and later mandated proof of two vaccine doses as a condition of continued employment. Chabot refused to disclose his status, citing privacy concerns and professional guidance suggesting disclosure should be voluntary, and argued that the federal directive did not apply to Crown corporations such as CBC.
He stated that his union declined to file a grievance on his behalf despite his arguments based on Charter principles, proportionality, and remote work conditions. On December 1, 2021, his system access was revoked and he was placed on leave without pay. He testified that he was ineligible for employment insurance due to the suspension being categorized as misconduct, was required to continue paying increased benefit premiums, and experienced financial and emotional strain as the sole income earner for his family.
Chabot further testified that the vaccine mandate was later suspended in June 2022 and he was invited to return to work but declined, describing the situation as constructive dismissal and expressing concern that the policy could be reinstated. He stated that he believed the stated objective of workplace safety did not logically apply to fully remote employees and raised broader concerns about institutional ethics and the treatment of employees during the mandate period.