Chief Erin O’Toole refuses to criticize Jason Kenney’s handling of the pandemic

The leader of the Conservatives Erin O’Toole on Thursday refused to disavow the handling of the pandemic by his political ally, Alberta Premier Jason Kenney, even though the latter admitted his mistakes.

The day before, Mr. Kenney apologized to Albertans and revised his strategy by imposing a vaccination passport. He also triggered a state of health emergency throughout the province, warning that intensive care could be overwhelmed within 10 days.

In the past, Mr. O’Toole has praised Jason Kenney’s handling of the COVID-19 pandemic, even claiming he was doing a better job than the Prime Minister. Justin trudeau.

But Thursday morning, questioned many times on this subject – about ten times – he refused to be criticized.

While in Saint-Jean, New Brunswick, he repeated in response to questions that he “would work with all the premiers of all the provinces”, before completely deviating from the subject of the management of the pandemic towards Justin Trudeau whom he showered with reproaches.

According to him, Mr. Trudeau did not fight against COVID-19: he chose instead to call an election in the midst of a health crisis. In addition, his inaction and his slowness to react to the threat “made the job more difficult for the premiers of the provinces,” said the Conservative leader.

We will respect the choices made by the provinces to protect the health of citizens and that of their economy, he insisted.

Mr. Kenney also said on Wednesday that making the decision not to be vaccinated against COVID-19 is “not just a personal choice, as it has real consequences for all of society,” as hospitals Albertans are overflowing.

Mr O’Toole chose not to comment on this claim, preferring to repeat his pre-established lines, thus insisting that the Liberal leader sparked a costly election for his personal benefit rather than doing his job as prime minister and managing the pandemic.

Convince the elders

On Thursday, the Conservative campaign also expressed its interest in convincing seniors to vote for its leader. The party is proposing a series of financial measures aimed at enabling them to stay at home while receiving help.

The pandemic has severely affected seniors living in residences such as CHSLDs and many fear they will have to live there one day.

Mr. O’Toole proposed a new Elder Care Benefit that will pay $ 200 per month, per household, to every Canadian who lives with and cares for a parent over the age of 70.

He also wants the medical expense tax credit to be able to be claimed for seniors living at home, not just for those living in a seniors’ residence.

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