Labour Board Finds CRA Discriminated Against Employee Over Religious Vaccine Accommodation

The Federal Public Sector Labour Relations and Employment Board found that the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) discriminated against an employee by denying his religious exemption request for its COVID-19 vaccination policy. Adjudicator Brian Russell determined the CRA violated the collective agreement and the Canadian Human Rights Act. The employee was awarded $5,000 for pain and suffering, but his claims for lost wages and vacation leave were rejected.

• The CRA discriminated against an employee by denying a religious exemption from its COVID-19 vaccination policy.
• The Federal Public Sector Labour Relations and Employment Board ruled the CRA violated its collective agreement and the Canadian Human Rights Act.
• The employee was awarded $5,000 in damages for pain and suffering.
• Requests for lost wages and vacation leave reimbursement were denied.