OTTAWA, ON – The Hon. Erin O’Toole, Leader of Canada’s Conservatives and the Official Opposition, released the following statement on the Liberal government’s COVID-19 pandemic response:

“One year ago, we knew little about the virus other than it was rapidly spreading. Today, while the world has learned a lot about COVID-19, the Liberal government still has not learned from the first wave.

“We need to be using all of the tools available to fight COVID-19. Canadians need vaccines, rapid tests, and information to secure our future and to rebuild our economy.

“Canada is facing a serious vaccine shortfall, rapid tests are not being widely used, and Canadians are still sitting in lockdown. Meanwhile, Canadians still have too many unanswered questions.

“Conservatives want to see the Liberal government succeed in securing these tools for Canadians – especially vaccines. We welcome the news that Canada will finally be moving forward on making vaccines domestically, something we called for months ago. But why did the Liberal government wait so long to act?

“When will domestically produced vaccines be available to Canadians – and how will Canadians get vaccines now? Why hasn’t Justin Trudeau secured an exception for Canada on the European Union export ban?

“Canadians deserve certainty and a plan. Canadians should know when things are going to get better. The Liberals need to be honest with Canadians on what they’re doing to secure the vital tools needed to fight COVID-19 and when restrictions can be eased.”
 

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For more information:

Chelsea Tucker
chelsea.tucker@parl.gc.ca
(613) 219-3790

Axel Rioux
axel.rioux@parl.gc.ca
(613) 291-7125