Election endangers Canadians, O'Toole says
But Tory leader sidesteps vaccine question
OTTAWA • Conservative Leader Erin O'Toole kicked off his election campaign Sunday with a speech that argued Liberal Leader Justin Trudeau is putting Canadians' health at risk with an unnecessary vote.
But at the same time, the Tory leader wouldn't say whether he will make his own candidates get vaccinated against COVID-19 as they get ready to knock on doors and hold campaign events.
The address came minutes after Trudeau announced he had paid a visit to the Governor General, who granted his request to dissolve Parliament, plunging the nation into its second federal election in less than two years.
O'Toole said he supports the right of Canadians to make their own health choices, while also stressing that his party pressured the Liberal government to procure vaccines more quickly and has encouraged people to get the shot.
“A leader who cared about the best interests of Canadians would be straining every sinew to secure the recovery right now. Instead, Justin Trudeau has called an election,” O'Toole said.
“We shouldn't be risking that for political games or political gain.”
The Tory leader made his opening-day remarks from a broadcast studio erected earlier this year in a ballroom at the Westin hotel in downtown Ottawa.
Some three dozen journalists and staffers dotted the room, but no supporters or constituents were on hand for cheers and elbow bumps as O'Toole stressed pandemic safety.
O'Toole, who has visited more than a half-dozen provinces over the past five weeks, planned to speak with Quebecers and British Columbians in virtual townhalls later Sunday.
He said he will require everyone who is boarding his campaign bus or plane to be fully vaccinated, with the party explaining that the measure is necessary for smooth travel between provinces where unvaccinated people are required to quarantine upon arrival.
Despite that move, O'Toole sidestepped questions on whether he backed a new rule requiring federal employees, workers in federally regulated industries and many travellers to be vaccinated against COVID-19.
“I can assure you the Conservative party — all of our team members, all of our candidates — will be working hard to try and work with public health leaders to follow health advice and to keep Canadians safe.”