“Canadians just want their lives back. Conservatives are calling on the Trudeau government to follow the evidence; follow the science, and table a plan to quickly end all federal mandates and restrictions. Canadians deserve a plan — it’s time the prime minister gave them one.” – Conservative Interim Leader Candice Bergen
BY BOB ZIMMER
Prince George-Peace River-Northern Rockies MP
I couldn’t agree more.
For two years we have lived with COVID-19 restrictions and lockdowns. Two years of isolation and uncertainty that has exacerbated Canada’s mental health crisis, and hurt our most vulnerable populations.
Grandparents unable to see their grandchildren. Families unable to travel. Employees unable to work.
Just recently, Canada’s Chief Public Health Officer, Dr. Theresa Tam, said that existing public health measures need to be “re-evaluated” so that we can “get back to some normalcy.”
Countries like Ireland, Sweden, Norway, Israel, the Czech Republic, the United Kingdom, Spain and Denmark are all removing restrictions and mandates, despite having lower vaccination rates than Canada.
It is long past time for the prime minister to stop dividing Canadians and politicizing the pandemic and start focusing on giving Canadians hope. Even Members of Parliament from within his own Liberal caucus are starting to speak out publicly.
Liberal MP Joël Lightbound recently said: “I can’t help but notice with regret that both the tone and the policies of my government have changed drastically since the last election campaign. It went from a more positive approach to one that stigmatizes and divides people.”
Another Liberal MP Yves Robillard has come out in support of MP Lightbound’s comments, saying it is “exactly what a lot of us think.” MP Robillard also spoke about the negative impact restrictions are having on his own mental health.
We are calling on Justin Trudeau to follow the evidence, to follow the science, and to table a plan by February 28 to quickly end all federal mandates and restrictions.
Canadians deserve a plan – it’s time the prime minister gave us one.