Military Pilot Appeals Denial of EI for Refusing COVID Shots

Former Captain Michal Zagol was released from the Canadian Armed Forces and denied EI benefits, after refusing a COVID-19 shot due to his religious beliefs. Photo Courtesy of Michal Zagol

A former Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) captain and helicopter pilot has applied for permission to appeal a denial of his Employment Insurance (EI) benefits, after he was terminated from the military for refusing a COVID-19 shot due to his religious beliefs.

Captain Michal Zagol filed an appeal on July 4 to the Social Security Tribunal of Canada (SST) Appeal Division, following a June 9 denial from a lower level of the SST stating he was ineligible for Employment Insurance (EI) benefits on the basis of alleged “misconduct.”