The federal government’s announcement to end vaccine mandates for federal public servants and domestic travel on planes and trains and for outbound international travel is being hailed as a move that’s long overdue, according to Cowichan-Malahat-Langford MP Alistair MacGregor.
“My NDP colleagues and I have watched in dismay as the Liberals and Conservatives use the issue of federal public health measures as political wedge points,” stated MacGregor. “While I wish it had come sooner, I’m pleased to see that the government has responded to the latest COVID-19 science and will lift some of the more outdated mandates.”
The move goes into effect June 20 and comes following calls from NDP MPs to re-examine several federal COVID-related public health measures.
In February, Canada’s Chief Public Health Officer, Dr. Theresa Tam, told the public all existing federal COVID public health measures needed to be re-examined. Since then, many NDP MPs, including health critic Don Davies, and transport critic Taylor Bachrach, have expressed their concern with the delayed response to Dr. Tam’s statement. In June, MacGregor joined his colleagues in calling for greater urgency.
“It is no secret that public trust in our government institutions is at a low point,” said MacGregor. “At a time that is calling for greater government transparency, we’ve seen from this government a notable absence of frank, open communication with Canadians about the effectiveness of the current federal vaccine mandates.”
MacGregor notes the following in his recent letter to Canada’s Minister of Health and Minister of Transport: “Let me be clear: my NDP colleagues and I have been, and will continue to be, resolute in our commitment to Canada’s public health officials’ ability to see us through this pandemic. However, as a matter of public confidence in our federal institutions, it is imperative that you, in your respective capacities encourage PHAC to complete the re-examination process. Further, I strongly urge you and your ministries to allocate the resources required to, in a fully transparent manner, re-examine such important issues as exposure-acquired immunity, border testing and quarantine requirements, and vaccine requirements for travel.
“Unfortunately, Canadians have found themselves stuck between Conservative motions to remove every tool we have to protect Canadians and Liberal stonewalls that keep the public in the dark, stated MacGregor. “I’m happy to see that my party’s calls for sensible policies have been answered.”