Those health professionals in Nova Scotia who chose bodily autonomy over Covid-19 vaccination have remained unable to work until just two weeks ago. These employees, placed on leave without pay in November of 2021, have been ostracized and excluded for almost 2.5 years, long after the emergence of undeniable evidence showing vaccination did not protect as hoped.

As of February 26th the Nova Scotia Health Authority (NSHA) announced that ‘evolving evidence’ has now shown that a requirement for vaccination is no longer supported. In a letter to staff, the NSHA stated that this change “reflects our commitment to respecting the choices and autonomy of our staff members”.  This weak acknowledgement of the individual’s right to bodily autonomy is quickly watered-down by ‘strong recommendations’ for continued adherence to vaccination and booster protocols, adding that the “Respiratory Virus Safety Plan and Masking Guidance…will continue to be strictly enforced” including testing, masking protocols and screening.

A second letter then invites these employees to return to work, giving a deadline of March 15th to make their decision known.

Despite removing the vaccine component, the NSHA continues to double-down on remaining policies. While not the last province to maintain these erroneous mandates (BC still holds strong), it remains incredibly frustrating that they still cling to other dangerous and unreliable medical interventions, unwilling to acknowledge evidence that is now considered irrefutable by those willing to take an unbiased look at the data.

While we are pleased to report on this positive step toward supporting the rights of these Canadians, it does not bear the hallmark of sincerity but rather shows further evidence of government authorities digging their heals in.

Canadians everywhere are suffering as our health care collapses, while healthcare authorities continue to deny their role. Is it perhaps more likely that they are only backing down because of the severe shortages of qualified health professionals in Canada, shortages exacerbated by these very policies?