Leah McInnes, a Registered Nurse in Saskatchewan, has been cleared of all wrongdoing after being accused of spreading misinformation by the College of Registered Nurses of Saskatchewan (CRNS).

McInnes expressed concerns about covid vaccine effectiveness and shared views opposing vaccine mandates which prompted ‘anti-vaxxer’ complaints from fellow staff to the investigative branch of the CRNS. The investigation brought charges of spreading misinformation; accusations later determined to be unfounded, ending with all charges being dismissed.

In their release, the Justice Centre for Constitutional Freedoms (JCCF) described McInnes’s advocacy as measured and balanced; “She had supported vaccines as an important tool in Covid-management efforts while also pointing to emerging scientific evidence…that Covid vaccines did not eliminate transmission. [she] opposed vaccine mandates as a violation of basic ethical principles of autonomy and informed… consent” John Carpay, President of the JCCF went on to share, “This is a significant victory for free expression and democratic participation…all Canadians who work in a regulated profession have the freedom to advocate for their beliefs and should not face threats from their own professional association or professional regulator”.

The Saskatchewan government initially acknowledged the potential infringements to individual autonomy associated with vaccine mandates but quickly changed their tune under the influence of the Saskatchewan Union of Nurses, NDP leader Ryan Meili and a group of Saskatchewan Health Authority’s Medical Health Officers, all calling for the “mandatory immunization” of all healthcare workers.

While the NDP influence is not surprising, the bullying from health regulators is concerning, showing their willingness to abuse their influence to further political ideologies above sound medical knowledge and advancing research.

It is time to demand the complete public disclosure of all political influences within these unions and agencies. The medical profession must remain neutral, supporting the health and wellbeing of citizens without political entanglements.

To read the Justice Centre for Constitutional Freedoms article, click here