Unvaccinated caucus, cabinet members to be removed if not immunized by Dec. 15: Manitoba Premier
Manitoba Premier Heather Stefanson said any caucus or cabinet members who are not fully vaccinated against COVID-19 by an upcoming deadline will be removed.
Stefanson said Wednesday a vaccination mandate comes into effect for the Manitoba Legislative Building on Dec. 15, adding those who get vaccinated after the fact will be welcomed back.
"I will expect all of my caucus and cabinet members to be fully vaccinated," Stefanson said.
Manitoba Opposition Leader Wab Kinew said the government should put the mandate in place immediately, saying it is long overdue.
"At this stage, if you didn't already get the vaccine and you are in the government's cabinet, what are you?" Kinew said.
This comes after Infrastructure Minister Ron Schuler declined to reveal his vaccination status during question period in the house earlier this week.
When asked to clarify why Schuler failed to disclose his status, a spokesperson said on behalf of the minister; “as stated in house yesterday, no one in Caucus is opposed to vaccinations, however, my personal health information is a private matter and I do not discuss my personal health information publicly."
Stefanson would not comment Wednesday on Schuler’s status directly.
“I have been very clear on where we’re going with this. I have indicated that to cabinet and caucus, and so it’s up to them,” Stefanson said.
Stefanson said she believes it’s important for government to lead by example, citing her previous work with the vaccine implementation task force.
“I very much believe in vaccines. They are working,” she said.
The Premier added a cabinet shuffle is expected over the next few months, but wouldn’t give a specific date.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
4th Indian national arrested, charged with murder of Hardeep Singh Nijjar
Homicide investigators in B.C. say murder charges have been laid against a fourth Indian national in connection to the killing of Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar outside a Surrey gurdwara last year.
'I am angry': Alberta farmers will continue fight over world class motorsport resort
The rolling hills leading to the hamlet of Rosebud are dotted with sprawling farms and cattle pastures -- and a sign sporting a simple message: No Race Track.
Man ticketed after allegedly trespassing again at Drake's Bridle Path mansion to get his bike
A man who tried to access Drake’s Bridle Path mansion earlier this week returned to the property Saturday and was apprehended again for allegedly trespassing, Toronto police say.
Couple randomly attacked, 1 stabbed, by group of teens in Toronto, police say
A man has been transported to hospital after police say he was stabbed in a random attack carried out by a group of teens in Toronto on Friday night.
Millions of Canadians have been exposed to potentially toxic chemicals, and they're not going anywhere
For decades, North Bay, Ontario's water supply has harboured chemicals associated with liver and developmental issues, cancer and complications with pregnancy. It's far from the only city with that problem.
Biden calls Trump 'unhinged,' says 'something snapped' in former president after he lost 2020 U.S. election
U.S. President Joe Biden on Saturday called Donald Trump “clearly unhinged” and claimed that “something snapped” in the former president after he lost the 2020 election.
Wildfire that forced evacuation of Fort Nelson, B.C., caused by tree falling on wires, mayor says
The wildfire that prompted the evacuation of more than 3,000 people near Fort Nelson, B.C., was caused by a tree falling on wires, according to the municipality's mayor.
Switzerland's Nemo wins 68th Eurovision Song Contest
Swiss singer Nemo won the 68th Eurovision Song Contest on Saturday night with 'The Code,' an operatic ode to the singer’s journey toward embracing their nongender identity.
IN PICTURES Northern lights dance across the night sky in southern Ont.
From London, to Grand Bend, Collingwood and Guelph, here are some highlights of Friday night and Saturday morning's northern lights display.