By Canadian Press

Tories’ O’Toole says he disagrees with anti-vaccine petition, trusts the science

Dec 7, 2020 | 8:34 AM

OTTAWA — Conservative Leader Erin O’Toole says he disagrees with a petition before the House of Commons — sponsored by a member of his caucus — that calls into question the science behind COVID-19 vaccines. 

O’Toole says he has faith in Health Canada, and in the advice provided by Canada’s chief public health officials. 

He says the fact that others don’t can be blamed on the Liberal government refusing to be fully transparent about the plans for the rollout of the eventual vaccine. 

The petition on the question of vaccine safety is being sponsored by Conservative MP Derek Sloan, who has said he hasn’t fully read what it contains.

The petition suggests the way the vaccine is being approved amounts to “human experimentation” and the fact it is being backed by a Conservative has led the Liberals to suggest the party doesn’t believe in science. 

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O’Toole says surveys suggest Canadians of all political stripes are hesitant about the vaccine, and that’s why the Liberals need to provide more information about it.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Dec. 7, 2020.

The Canadian Press