A remote-working employee of the Ottawa-based charity Canadian Blood Services (CBS) has been fired for declining to receive injections of a COVID-19 vaccine product.
Gabriel Wilson, a 27 year-old Customer Support Representative in CBS’s organ tissue and donation branch requested accommodation under the organization’s vaccination policy on religious grounds.
Wilson’s accommodation request stated his religious beliefs and expressed that:
“My request for accommodation is that you continue to allow me to work remotely as I have for CBS over the last year and a half. My position is remote, and I will not be in contact with the public or other CBS staff.”
CBS denied Wilson’s request for accommodation in a letter dated Oct. 29, 2021, stating:
“We have carefully considered the information you have provided and have concluded that the reason for your refusal to be vaccinated is not due to a sincerely held religious belief, but rather due to a personal belief that will not allow you to become fully vaccinated. (…)
You have been unable to offer any proof that your religion prevents you from becoming fully vaccinated with the COVID-19 vaccination. (…) it is our view that your beliefs do not require protection under the Ontario Human Rights Code.”
Via letter dated Nov. 17, 2021, CBS terminated Wilson’s employment, stating:
“As of today’s date, you have failed to demonstrate a fully vaccinated status, or failed to demonstrate that you intend to become fully vaccinated. (…) therefore, your employment will be terminated, with cause, effective immediately.
If at any point in the future you become fully vaccinated against COVID-19, we welcome you to re-apply for employment at CBS.”
Documents pertaining to Mr. Wilson’s case can be read at the links below:
- 2021-10-12: Gabriel Wilson’s accommodation request submitted to CBS
- 2021-10-29: CBS’s letter denying Wilson’s accommodation request
- 2021-11-01: CBS’s letter to Wilson placing him on a 10-day unpaid leave of absence
- 2021-11-17: CBS’s letter to Wilson terminating his employment for not being vaccinated
Media wishing to contact Gabriel Wilson can do so by sending an email to OCLA through the contact form at the link here.
