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
Cyclist issued fine for striking four-year-old girl crossing the street
A cyclist turned herself in and received a fine after striking a four-year-old girl who was crossing the street to catch a school bus.
Protest encampment cleared by Edmonton police early Saturday morning
A protest encampment set up on the University of Alberta campus was cleared early Saturday morning by Edmonton police.
'We have no judge for you': Man's assault charges dropped weeks before trial due to lack of judges in Toronto
A man who was accused of sexually and physically assaulting a woman had his charges dropped in April, just weeks before he was set to stand trial in Toronto, due to a lack of judges in the region.
Out-of-control wildfire prompts evacuation alert for Fort McMurray, Saprae Creek Estates Friday night
An evacuation alert was issued for two Wood Buffalo communities Friday night, as crews battled an out-of-control wildfire near Fort McMurray.
Dutch contestant kicked out of Eurovision hours before tension-plagued song contest final
The Netherlands' contestant in the Eurovision Song Contest was dramatically expelled from competition hours before Saturday's final of the pan-continental pop competition, which has been rattled by protests over the participation of Israel.
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.
opinion How to use your credit card as a powerful wealth-building tool
Irresponsibly using a credit card can land you in financial trouble, but personal finance columnist Christopher Liew says when used properly, it can be a powerful wealth-building tool that can help grow your credit profile and create new opportunities.
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.
IN PHOTOS Northern lights dance across the night sky in southern Ont.
From London, to Mildmay, Collingwood and St. Thomas, here are some highlights of Friday night and Saturday morning's northern lights display.