LAKELAND - Requiring federal workers to be vaccinated against COVID-19 is “tyrannical,” says one Lakeland-area MP.
Fort McMurray-Cold Lake MP David Yurdiga made the comment in a press release Aug. 10 following news that the Liberal government was investigating the idea. On Aug. 13, the government announced it was moving ahead with the plan.
"Trudeau's recent announcement should be alarming to every Canadian. Canadians deserve the right to liberty, whether they choose to be vaccinated or not,” Yurdiga stated.
"Trudeau can no longer push Canadians into a corner. It is our job to stand up against this tyrannical idea that forces discrimination based on what Canadians choose to do with their bodies.”
According to an Aug. 13 press release from the Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat, the government plans to require vaccines for public servants as early as the end of September. The government will also be requiring federally regulated air, rail and marine transportation employees to be vaccinated by the end of October, as well as all commercial air travellers, passengers on interprovincial trains and passengers on marine vessels like cruise ships.
The government also expects Crown corporations to require employees to be vaccinated.
Federal Transport Minister Omar Alghabra said in a Twitter post that working together with federally regulated sectors to require vaccines will help ensure Canada can rebuild from the pandemic.
“Vaccination is our best tool to keep each other safe and to beat COVID-19,” he posted.
Yurdiga could not be reached for an interview, but stated on Aug. 10 that he views the plan as a slippery slope.
The Conservative MP also condemned Quebec’s plan to implement a vaccine passport on Sept. 1. That passport involves a smartphone app and could be used for activities such as concerts, eating out at a restaurant or going to the gym. More details are expected later this month.
Yurdiga described the move as “highly concerning.”
“The Quebec Government’s decision to block gyms, bars and restaurants from unvaccinated Canadians leaves them with no choice. Grocery stores, pharmacies and other essential services may be next. Not only is this approach not backed by science, but it is also deeply unconstitutional. The Liberal government will follow the lead of the Quebec Government, as it always does. What’s next?” he stated.
On Friday, Conservative Party Leader Erin O’Toole said he encourages Canadians to get vaccinated and views them as the most critical tool in the fight against COVID-19.
“We all have to work together. We also have to work to use the other tools that are there as well,” he said, adding there can be accommodations made for people by using options such as rapid testing, masking and screening procedures.
Vaccination levels continue to lag in Lakeland
The news comes as rates of vaccinations in the Lakeland area continue to lag behind provincial averages.
Provincially, 76.7 per cent of Albertans over the age of 12 had received one dose as of Aug. 14, while 67.5 per cent were fully vaccinated.
The latest provincial numbers show 57.7 per cent of people in the Lac La Biche area over the age of 12 have had at least one shot and 49.6 per cent have received two shots.
The Cold Lake area has seen 63.3 per cent of people over the age of 12 receive a shot, with 54.8 per cent fully vaccinated.
The Bonnyville area has recorded 54.7 percent of people over the age of 12 receiving a shot, with 48.4 per cent fully vaccinated.
The St. Paul area has seen 51.6 per cent of people over the age of 12 receive a shot, with 45.8 per cent fully vaccinated.
The Frog Lake area has seen 49 per cent of people over the age of 12 receive a shot, with 40.7 per cent fully vaccinated.
*Editor's Note: As of the federal election being called on Aug. 15, Yurdiga is no longer the MP for the Fort McMurray-Cold Lake area and will not be seeking re-election.
