By Canadian Press

Liberal MP breaks ranks party on COVID-19, says government ‘demonizes’ Canadians

Feb 8, 2022 | 10:19 AM

MONTREAL — Quebec Liberal MP Joël Lightbound says it’s time his government stops dividing Canadians on the COVID-19 pandemic.

Lightbound broke publicly with his political party today, telling reporters the government led by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau continues to “demonize” people who have legitimate criticisms of the way the pandemic is being managed.

He says the government must provide Canadians with a clear and measurable road map detailing when federal restrictions related to the pandemic will be lifted.

The MP for the Louis-Hébert riding in Quebec City spoke to reporters the same time as a Liberal party cabinet meeting was scheduled, a day after MPs held an emergency debate on the ongoing trucker protest outside Parliament Hill.

Lightbound condemned the hateful symbols at the protest against COVID-19 measures, but he accused the government of having no desire to adapt its policies to reflect the evolving science of the pandemic.

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He says Canadians are confused to see other countries with lower vaccination rates dropping all restrictions, adding that residents are left wondering where Canada is heading.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published on Feb. 8, 2022.

The Canadian Press