Witness Testimony

Kyra Pituley, a 15-year-old Manitoba student, testified about her experiences as an unvaccinated minor during COVID-19 restrictions. She described school closures in 2020, periods of online learning, and cohort-based schooling. Although permitted to attend gym class, she stated that during lunch-hour activities she was required to sit outside the gymnasium because she did not provide proof of vaccination. She also reported missing social events that required vaccine documentation.
Pituley testified that after declining vaccination in fall 2021—citing family research, uncertainty about long-term effects, and a prior severe allergic reaction to an H1N1 flu vaccine—she was removed from ringette and volleyball teams. While testing was technically permitted, she stated that pharmacy-based testing two to three times per week at approximately $40 per test was financially prohibitive. She described inconsistent enforcement between different leagues and recounted being asked to leave a game in front of teammates and coaches.
In January 2022, she traveled with family to participate in the Freedom Convoy in Ottawa for approximately 22 days. She described the atmosphere as positive and peaceful during her time there. While completing online school during the trip, she stated that teacher communication ceased at one point and school administration suggested enrollment in Homeschool Manitoba due to her absence. Upon returning, she continued her schooling and caught up on missed assignments.