Witness Testimony

Michelle Malkoske, a Licensed Practical Nurse working casually in WRHA homecare, testified that in October 2021 she declined to disclose her COVID-19 vaccination status on a required form and refused testing as an alternative. Following this decision, her scheduled shifts were cancelled and she was unable to sign up for new shifts for approximately six months, resulting in an estimated $15,000 in lost income. She stated that she was permitted to resume picking up shifts in April 2022 without further inquiry.
Malkoske described financial strain on her family during this period, noting that her husband also experienced income disruption due to workplace shutdowns. She testified that some clients questioned nurses about vaccination status and that vaccinated nurses wore identifying stickers, which she felt created division. She stated that at least two or three other nurses made similar decisions not to test and were likewise unable to work.
She also described tension within extended family relationships due to her views and professional disagreements about vaccination. While she continues to work in her current position and reports that the issue is no longer raised in her workplace, she stated that some private employers still require proof of COVID-19 vaccination for new hires. She emphasized her belief that patients deserve care regardless of vaccination documentation and expressed concern about what she characterized as discrimination related to vaccine disclosure policies.