Federal Employee Suspended for Refusing COVID Vaccine Awarded Back Pay, $5,000 A federal employee, Mathieu Lemay, who was placed on unpaid leave for refusing the COVID-19 vaccine on religious grounds, has been awarded back pay and $5,000 in damages. Lemay, employed for 15 years at the department of public safety and emergency preparedness, had his exemption application rejected. The decision was made by a panel of the Federal Public Sector Labour Relations and Employment Board.

• Federal employee Mathieu Lemay was placed on unpaid leave for refusing the COVID-19 vaccine.
• Lemay’s refusal was based on religious grounds.
• A labour tribunal awarded him back pay and $5,000 in damages.
• His exemption application was rejected by his employer.
• The decision was made by the Federal Public Sector Labour Relations and Employment Board.