Liberal MP asks Trudeau to ‘stop dividing Canadians’ over COVID-19 approach – National
Liberal MP Joël Lightbound is speaking out against his own party’s approach to COVID-19 pandemic called on the federal government to “stop dividing Canadians” and put in place a clear plan for when the government would lift vaccine regulations.
He stepped down as chair of the Quebec caucus for the party later that day, announced the decision in a tweet.
During a press conference Tuesday morning, Lightbound called on Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and the Liberal government to “stop dividing the Canadian people.”
“I can’t help but notice with regret that both the tone and policies of my government changed dramatically the night before and during the last election campaign.”
Most recently, Trudeau was outspoken in condemning the behavior of a so-called “Freedom Convoy“Of the protesters who have occupied much of downtown Ottawa.
Speaking at a news conference on Monday, Trudeau said Canadians watched the protesters “in disgust and distrust”, wondering “how could this happen in the capital.” of our nation after all we’ve been through together.”
However, his comments led some – including interim Conservative Party leader Candice Bergen – to accuse him of sowing “division” by “publicly politicizing vaccines and pandemics”. ” and “name these Canadians”.
Now, Lightbound is criticizing the government for causing what he describes as exacerbating divisions among Canadians – and he is calling on the Liberals to make some changes.
He said they should provide a “clear and measurable standard” for when public health measures will be lifted. People are “increasingly confused” about the rationale for these measures, and the government should have more clearly communicated its intentions to Canadians, Lightbound said.
“It’s a lot easier to comply once you understand,” he said.
The Quebec regional MP said the measures impact everyone differently, making an obvious stroking stroke at Trudeau, whose primary residence is Rideau Cottage.
“Not everyone can make a living off of a Macbook in a small house,” says Lightbound.
Global News has reached out to the prime minister’s office for comment, but has not received a response. However, Trudeau was pressed about Lightbound’s comments as he entered the questioning phase on Tuesday.
“We are all disappointed. We are all fed up and tired of limitations, tasks, sacrifices, not being able to do the things we love. It’s been two years and it’s been really, really tiring for all of us,” Trudeau said.
“This government has focused every step of the way on following the best science, following the best public health advice, to keep as many people as safe as possible. And quite frankly, it worked. ”
He added that the missions “are a way to avoid being further restricted, or having to be restricted.”
Other members of the Liberal cabinet were also pressed by Lightbound’s comments throughout Tuesday.
Emergency Preparedness Minister Bill Blair said: “I have been a member of the Liberal caucus for more than six years.
“I believe we’re a caucus that listens to each other and there’s a lot of room for different opinions in that caucus.”
Public Safety Minister Marco Mendicino also spoke about Lightbound’s comments.
“Joël is a colleague, a friend, and I think everyone wants to discuss his statement with him in private,” he said.
Although the MP said he did not necessarily believe that public health measures should be lifted immediately, he was concerned about what he called the government’s decision “divisive, divisive and pillory”.
“I fear that politicizing this pandemic risk erodes public trust in our public health institutions. This is not a risk we should take lightly. “
Lightbound’s comments like convoy of trucks Continue through the streets of downtown Ottawa. Protesters have called for a number of changes to be made, from calling for the lifting of public health mandates to demanding the prime minister’s resignation.
The Liberal MP, however, shied away from the rally that took place outside the door of his press conference.
“It is time for the truckers to leave and let the locals take back their neighborhoods,” he said.
Lightbound hinted that his press conference was also indicative of a broader controversy within the Liberal party. He said that while he was the only one at Tuesday’s press conference, he was “not the only one who feels, to varying degrees,” the same way, “in the ranks. (Free)”.
“I still hope that this call… will be heard,” he said.
As for his political future, Lightbound has made it clear that he has no intention of leaving the Liberal Party on his own terms.
“I think the Liberals have always been open to dissenting and different opinions,” he said, adding that he was “too respectful” of voters’ votes to change the party.
However, at the end of the day, the team could take the decision out of his hands – something Lightbound acknowledged on Tuesday.
“It’s not my decision,” he said.
“If I’m here today, it’s because I’m ready to accept the consequences, if any.”
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https://globalnews.ca/news/8603011/covid-liberal-joel-lightbound-vaccine-mandate/ Liberal MP asks Trudeau to ‘stop dividing Canadians’ over COVID-19 approach – National
