Two Progressive Conservative MPPs in Ontario face expulsion from their caucus over their decisions not to get vaccinated against COVID-19.
MPPs Christina Mitas (Scarborough Centre) and Rick Nicholls (Chatham-Kent-Leamington) have been given until 5pm today (Thursday) to provide their “proof of vaccination or a statement of medical exemption signed by a physician or registered nurse,” according to an internal memo from Lorne Coe, the Chief Government Whip.
“The safety and efficacy of vaccines has never been clearer,” Coe told Mitas and Nicholls in his statement.
BREAKING: MPP @RickNichollsCKL tells the @TorontoStar he will not be getting vaccinated. Nicholls holding a 4 pm Queen’s Park presser, one hour before he expects to be expelled from the @OntarioPCParty caucus. #COVID19 #onpoli https://t.co/KweO9SsoEc
— Robert Benzie (@robertbenzie) August 19, 2021
“As an elected official and member of the PC caucus, it is our responsibility to show leadership in our province and ensure every eligible Ontarian can receive a vaccine. This includes every member of our caucus.”
At the virtual PCC caucus meeting Tuesday, Nicholls spoke about his health concerns, privacy issues and the importance of “personal choice.”
However, his calls for reason went unheard by fellow MPPs, and the Premier’s office made it clear than anyone refusing to get their COVID-19 shot would join former PCP member, Roman Baber, by being expelled from the party.
“Doug’s a weak tyrant. Have courage and stand firm my dear MPP friends, for yourselves and many Ontarians,” said the now-Independent member, who himself has been fully vaccinated.
“We’re in favour of voluntary vaccination but respect autonomy. You were elected by and serve constituents, not @fordnation or @OntarioPCParty. Be brave.”
For the man who came to power pretending to be “for the people”, Doug Ford has continually shown himself to be the biggest failure for provincial conservatives.
Ontario’s Premier has subjected the province to some of the harshest lockdowns across the country, as well as granting the police extra-ordinary powers to investigate and arrest citizens, and now impose mandatory vaccines on healthcare workers and those within his caucus.
Let us be very clear – Doug Ford is not a conservative. He represents nothing about the conservative values of freedom, individual choice or constitutional rights. He came to power as a “man of the people” but has proven himself, time and time again, to be unfit for office.
If Ford has any sense of conservative values left, he will reverse the draconian policy of forcing PCP staff to get vaccinated and allow individuals within his party to make their own health choices; a right that is fundamental to all conservatives across our country.
(Photo credit: CTV News)
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