Witness Testimony

Bridgette Hounjet testified that she has worked as a federal public servant in Saskatoon for approximately 16 years. After returning from maternity leave in 2020, she initially worked both in-office and remotely as pandemic protocols evolved. In October 2021, her employer implemented a vaccine mandate requiring employees to attest to vaccination status or seek accommodation. She applied for an exemption on human rights grounds related to sex and future reproductive concerns, citing a prior miscarriage and uncertainty about vaccine effects. Her request was denied in December 2021.
While awaiting a decision, she complied with rapid testing requirements three times weekly and expressed willingness to continue testing or working remotely. Despite this, she was placed on unpaid leave beginning January 19, 2022. She testified that she remained off work for five months until the federal mandate was lifted in June 2022, after which she returned to her position. During her leave, she depleted personal savings and continues to experience financial impacts, including pension repayment obligations.
Hounjet stated that the experience significantly affected her mental health, reporting frequent emotional breakdowns, counseling support, anger, and strain on personal relationships. She described loss of trust in government and public health institutions and stated that recreational activities supporting her mental well-being were also restricted during this period. She concluded by encouraging individuals to research independently, remain open to differing perspectives, and support one another to prevent similar outcomes in the future.