Witness Testimony

Darcy Harsch testified that after suffering a stroke in 2016 and losing his landscaping business, he retrained and began working with adults with disabilities, eventually becoming a manager in a forensic group home in Kelowna, British Columbia. He described overseeing residents with significant behavioural and legal challenges and noted that part of his role involved regularly teaching residents about their rights and freedoms. When COVID-19 emerged, he observed workplace fear and uncertainty and stated that he became cautious about vaccination due to his prior medical misdiagnosis and observed adverse reactions among colleagues.
As vaccine mandates were introduced in his sector, Harsch testified that he approached his employer to explore alternatives, including remote work or consideration of a different vaccine option. In November 2021, the employer implemented a mandate requiring disclosure of vaccination status by December 10, with unpaid leave as the consequence of non-compliance. He refused to disclose his medical information and was placed on unpaid leave effective that date. He stated that he remains technically employed but has not received pay for over a year and was not initially informed that a Record of Employment had been submitted.
Harsch testified that he and his wife experienced significant financial hardship, ultimately relocating to Alberta in search of employment. He later applied for Employment Insurance after learning others in similar situations had successfully claimed benefits and received some support. He described strained relationships with friends and family due to mandate-related disagreements and noted the irony of having taught clients about rights and freedoms while feeling those same rights were denied to him. He is currently employed in a different industry managing an RV resort.