An independent military administrative tribunal has concluded that a Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) veteran was unjustly expelled from the organization for refusing to receive a COVID-19 vaccine. According to Nina Frid of the Military Grievances External Review Committee (MGERC), the tribunal found that refusing vaccination should not be considered a conduct deficiency and is protected as a right under the Charter and existing laws and regulations. The veteran, who had served for 24 years as an Aircraft Structures Technician, was dishonorably discharged under code 5(f), “unsuitable for further service.” Frid recommended that Chief of Defence Staff Wayne Eyre cancel the measures against the veteran, facilitate re-enrollment, and consider awarding financial compensation. The MGERC provides non-binding findings and recommendations to the CDS and the CAF member who filed the grievance. The CAF implemented a vaccination mandate in 2021, resulting in the release of numerous non-compliant soldiers. The CAF lightened the mandate in 2022 but maintained a mandatory vaccine series for operational roles. The CAF argued that refusing vaccination breached the Code of Ethics and Values, but the MGERC ruled that it does not relate to ethics and conduct. The committee also found that the disciplinary process and administration of remedial measures under the vaccination policy had procedural fairness shortcomings. The veteran is among the plaintiffs in a $500 million class-action lawsuit against the CDS and other officials regarding COVID-19 vaccine mandates.