TORONTO – With a fourth wave looming and the Legislature set to resume in September, it’s essential Ontario’s elected representatives demonstrate leadership and roll up their sleeves. Only Ontario Liberals can be trusted to fight for mandatory vaccinations for frontline healthcare and education workers, and MPPs.
That’s why Ontario Liberals are calling for mandatory vaccinations for all Members of Provincial Parliament, and clear protocols for unvaccinated staff and visitors. Ontario Liberal Leader, Steven Del Duca and Ontario Liberal House Leader, MPP John Fraser wrote to the Speaker requesting these new measures on Tuesday.
“As many as 27 of Doug Ford’s Conservative MPPs refused to disclose whether they had been vaccinated last week,” said Ontario Liberal Leader, Steven Del Duca. “With the Legislature set to return soon, Ontario Liberals are turning to the Speaker to ensure the return of the Legislature isn’t a super-spreader event.”
Ontario Liberals believe that any mandate must adhere to the Ontario Human Rights Code, and not stop any MPP from fulfilling their democratic duty, should they have a valid reason for being unvaccinated. Doug Ford’s Government has repeatedly turned down requests for Queen’s Park to go virtual during the pandemic, so Ontario Liberals believe it’s time for more drastic measures.
“MPPs gather in the same chamber daily, only to return back to their communities,” said MPP John Fraser. “Allowing unvaccinated MPPs to participate in those sittings jeopardizes the health of the Members, their families and staff, and vulnerable people in their communities.”
Doug Ford has passed the buck on protecting Ontarians from COVID-19, leaving Ontario’s top doctor to step up and force his hand. With Andrea Horwath flip-flopping on her mandatory vaccination stance, only Ontario Liberals have been consistently fighting for mandatory vaccinations.
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