CDS Message to Members of the Canadian Armed Forces on CDS Directive 003 on CAF COVID-19 Vaccination

October 14, 2022 - Defence Stories

Members of the Canadian Armed Forces,

Thank you for your efforts to protect yourselves and your teammates during the COVID-19 pandemic through the use of public health measures, hybrid work options, and vaccination. The need to remain operationally ready while protecting our force, our families and our communities, was the reason we mandated postures to preserve our health. In doing so, we ensured our ability to conduct numerous operations – at home and abroad - throughout a challenging pandemic environment, keeping Canadians safe.

When we issued initial COVID-19 vaccination direction, we did not take that decision lightly. Vaccination was the best option based on scientific and medical evidence to enable the CAF to return to normal levels of operation as quickly as possible. It remains one of the most effective tools to protect our members, society, and to preserve our readiness.

Proudly, over 96% of the CAF is now fully vaccinated, with most choosing to also get booster shots. This added protection has allowed us to relax public health measures, continue to deploy our forces, and limit the negative effects of infection. But as the pandemic has evolved, so must our force protection measures. As such, we have decided to issue an amendment to the vaccine directive.

CAF members should always follow the best medical advice and be vaccinated against COVID-19. However, going forward, the requirement to have the COVID-19 vaccine will be driven by operational necessity. Meaning, it will be required for employment in certain positions and on certain operations where it is assessed that the greatest reduction of risk is warranted to maintain operational readiness. These requirements will focus on those high-readiness, deployable, or core missions or tasks where an illness would create risk to an individual and/or the mission. The COVID-19 vaccine will no longer be a prerequisite for enrollment; however, new recruits will be informed that future employment within the CAF may require COVID-19 or other vaccinations.

This change is not retroactive, and this directive may require further adjustments as the pandemic continues to evolve, including returning to requiring vaccination for all if the situation warrants. For those small few who refused the COVID-19 vaccination under the previous directive, who have not received an accommodation and have not yet completed an administrative review, any remedial measures will remain on your files as a record of non-compliance with a lawful order. For those who have received a decision to release, proceedings will continue.

These last few years have been difficult for us all, and now is the time to shift our priority to rebuilding and reconstituting our team while continuing to deliver on our primary mission: to defend Canada, its interests and values, and contribute to a safe and peaceful world, all while protecting those we serve, our teammates and ourselves. As always, your dedication to our institution and the mission is appreciated and thank you all for your selfless service to Canada.

Any questions regarding this directive can be sent to the Ask Anything: COVID-19 inbox.

General Wayne Eyre
Chief of the Defence Staff