Witness Testimony

Grace Neustaedter testified that she worked as a registered nurse for 41 years, including 18 years as a clinical nurse specialist with Alberta Health Services (AHS), and held a Master’s degree in Nursing with formal research training. She stated that after reviewing available data and considering her faith convictions, she became concerned about the expedited vaccine rollout and the perceived absence of standard due process in informed consent and clinical testing. She described observing strong adherence among colleagues to public health directives and reported that discussions in her workplace included disparaging remarks toward unvaccinated individuals, which she found distressing.
Neustaedter applied for a religious exemption but testified that she never received formal acknowledgment or approval. She stated that she was informed through informal channels and union contacts that only one religious exemption had reportedly been granted within AHS. On December 15, 2021, she received recognition for 40 years of service on the same day she was prohibited from entering AHS facilities due to her vaccination status. Although she had previously worked remotely and was actively engaged in research projects and educational module development, she testified that she was not permitted to continue working from home while other vaccinated staff were.
She described significant emotional distress, stress leave, and eventual early retirement. Beyond her professional life, she testified to family division regarding vaccination decisions, restricted access to grandchildren and elderly relatives, strained church relationships, and the loss of friendships. She also recounted personal knowledge of several sudden deaths occurring after vaccination within her extended social circle, while stating she did not personally know anyone who had died from COVID-19.