Party strips Ashton of critic roles after trip to Greece

A prominent member of the federal New Democrats has lost her cabinet critic positions after travelling to Greece in spite of widespread travel restrictions meant to curb the spread of COVID-19. The party released a statement saying Manitoba MP Niki Ashton travelled to Greece recently to visit a family member who was seriously ill. It says Greek officials, who currently only permit visitors to enter the country if they can prove their trip is essential, approved Ashton’s visit. The NDP says Ashton reached out to Canadian officials for “best practices,” but did not notify leader Jagmeet Singh or the party whip of her travel plans. The statement says party members sympathize with Ashton’s situation, but notes millions of Canadians adhered to public health guidelines under similarly pressing circumstances. Ashton did not immediately respond to request for comment on the loss of her critic roles. . Ashton is the latest senior politician to face consequences for flouting advice to stay home during a global pandemic.