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
Live updates: What star witness in Trump hush money case has said on the stand so far
The star prosecution witness in Donald Trump's hush money trial took the stand Monday with testimony that could help shape the outcome of the first criminal case against an American president.
Police release 3D images of young child found in an Ontario river two years ago
Police have released a three-dimensional image of a young child whose remains were discovered in the Grand River in Dunnville, Ont. almost two years ago.
Steve Buscemi punched in the face while walking in N.Y.C.
Hollywood actor Steve Buscemi has been treated for injuries after being punched in the face while walking in New York City.
'Be very, very careful': Wildfire conditions 'still extreme,' says Alberta fire chief
As wildfire conditions remain 'extreme' in northern Alberta, residents are being urged to be extra cautious and follow a fire ban.
Wildfire smoke drifts across Canada, over parts of U.S., prompting air quality advisories
Air quality advisories are in effect across Western Canada as smoky conditions plague some areas, according to the latest forecasts. Here's where.
Canucks' Zadorov fined $5,000 for post-game crosscheck on Oilers' McDavid
A Vancouver Canucks defenceman has been given the highest possible fine under the NHL's collective bargaining agreement after a scrum broke out at the end of Game 3 against the Edmonton Oilers Sunday night.
City of Ottawa negligent in allowing Uber to operate outside of taxi bylaw, judge rules
An Ontario Superior Court judge has ruled that the City of Ottawa was negligent in its enforcement of the city's taxi bylaw when it allowed Uber to begin operating in 2014, harming the city's established taxi industry.
Jerry Seinfeld speech prompts pro-Palestinian demonstration at U.S. university graduation ceremony
A tiny contingent of Duke University graduates opposed pro-Israel comedian Jerry Seinfeld speaking at their commencement in North Carolina Sunday, with about 30 of the 7,000 students leaving their seats and chanting "free Palestine" amid a mix of boos and cheers.
Just how bad are ultraprocessed foods? Here are 5 things to know
Many foods fall under the category of ultraprocessed foods, depending on their exact ingredients. This type of food has been studied a lot lately, and the results aren’t great.