Ontario Prime Minister Doug Ford says that all those seeking to run under the PC party banner for the upcoming provincial elections should get vaccinated against COVID-19.
Ford made the statement at a news conference for the province’s vaccine certificate that took effect Wednesday.
“All of our candidates are going to be vaccinated [or] they just don’t run for our party, it’s that simple, ”he said.
Read more:
MPP Rick Nicholls removed from Ontario PC Party caucus after refusing to receive COVID-19 vaccine
All members of the Ontario PC caucus are vaccinated, with the exception of one member, Scarborough Center MPP, Christina Mitas, who has a medical exemption.
In mid-August, Ford confirmed that all caucus members must be vaccinated or they would be removed. He cited the nature of the component interactions that MPPs have.
“Over the past year, I have repeatedly stood in front of Ontarians and urged them to get vaccinated as soon as they are eligible. The people of this province have responded to the constant threat of COVID-19 by making sacrifices to keep our families, our communities, ourselves and others safe, ”he said at the time.
“It also includes our elected officials, whom we all hope will lead by example, and who must legitimately be held to a higher standard.”
READ MORE: 2 Ontario PC MPPs Awarded Until Thursday to Receive COVID-19 Vaccine or Face Elimination of Caucus
Chatham – Kent – Leamington MPP Rick Nicholls refused to receive the vaccine and was therefore subsequently removed from the PC caucus. He was also barred from running on behalf of the party in the June 2 elections in Ontario.
“I can’t be here preaching to get vaccinated if our entire team is not vaccinated,” Ford continued Wednesday.
“So, from now on, all candidates running for the PC Party have been vaccinated or will be vaccinated or they won’t run for our party. It is as clear as day. “
–With files from Nick Westoll
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