Witness Testimony

Pastor Jason McVicar testified that after 11 years of ministry in Fredericton, New Brunswick, his church board began pressuring him to receive a COVID-19 vaccination following provincial outreach encouraging churches to promote vaccine uptake and implement proof-of-vaccination policies to allow full-capacity operation. He stated that although he complied with masking and operational plans, he declined vaccination based on his interpretation of publicly available data and personal health considerations.
He testified that shortly after provincial discussions with faith communities, he received a formal letter from the church board stating that his vaccination status reflected poor judgment, lack of discernment, erosion of trust, and division within the congregation. He stated that prior to this issue, no formal complaints or disciplinary actions had occurred during his tenure.
McVicar described a closed-session board meeting that he characterized as hostile and abusive, during which he reiterated that he would not receive the vaccine. The board subsequently moved services online, restricted him from in-person contact, and imposed additional internal measures beyond government mandates. He requested a congregational meeting to address the dispute but stated that the board refused to convene one.
He ultimately entered into what was described publicly as a “mutual agreement” to end his contract. However, he testified that congregation members were not informed of the underlying dispute and were told he had completed his ministry and was moving on to new endeavours. He stated that later conversations with members revealed they had not been consulted and were unaware of the conflict.
McVicar testified that he has since continued ministry work in Prince Edward Island and remains unvaccinated. He also expressed the view that New Brunswick officials specifically approached faith communities to encourage vaccine promotion and mandate adoption.