‘They Thought I Was a Nutcase’: Pandemic Mandates Spark Division, Forge Friendships

A man walks past a COVID-19 restrictions sign during the pandemic, in Mississauga, Ont., on Dec. 22, 2020. The Canadian Press/Nathan Denette

For many during the pandemic, divisions around COVID-19 vaccines and government mandates and restrictions ruptured friendships and family relationships alike. Postings can still be seen on social media about how individuals’ families continue to shun them due to their stances on COVID.

For Melissa Martens, a farmer in Swift Current, Saskatchewan, who chose not to get vaccinated, the rift between her and her sister and father started near the beginning of the pandemic.