Witness Testimony

Jason Kurz testified that he worked for over 16 years in the nuclear industry at Darlington Nuclear Generation Station, progressing from electrician to instrumentation and control technician and ultimately to Work Control Team Leader within Ontario Power Generation’s Projects and Modifications Organization. His role coordinated complex safety upgrades implemented while reactors were operating, many linked to post-Fukushima safety improvements. He began the position remotely and performed it successfully from home before workforce reintegration policies were introduced.
He testified that OPG implemented a COVID policy requiring employees to disclose vaccination status and, if unvaccinated or unwilling to disclose, undergo regular testing. Kurz objected on the basis that the employer lacked authority to mandate medical procedures not contained in his original employment contract. After being placed on six weeks of unpaid leave, he was terminated on December 29, 2021. He further testified that prior to termination he was confronted about attending freedom rallies and directed to cease such participation, after which he was assigned to full-time remote work. He believes this involvement contributed to being singled out.
Kurz stated that his termination letter included an unusual provision barring him not only from OPG employment but also from working for any vendor or contractor performing work for OPG, along with a trespass notice prohibiting entry onto OPG property. He testified that this effectively ended his nuclear industry career despite his specialized qualifications. Financially, he reported losing a high-paying position with pension and benefits and returning to work as an electrician at approximately one-third of his prior income. He also described the impact on his children’s educational and career plans, particularly in the nuclear field.