Shannon Stubbs Statement on Federal Mandates and Emergencies Act

MP Shannon Stubbs released the following statement after the unsuccessful vote to end Federal mandates and following the Prime Minster invoking the Emergencies Act:

STATEMENT BY MP STUBBS ON VOTE TO END FEDERAL MANDATES

AND THE INVOKING OF THE EMERGENCIES ACT

February 14, 2022

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Ottawa, ON – Today, Canada’s Conservatives gave the Liberal government an opportunity to stop dividing and stigmatizing Canadians, and to give some hope and optimism, by voting to support the Conservative motion to give Canadians a clear plan to end federal mandates and restrictions.  

It’s so disappointing that the Liberal government, propped up by the NDP and the Green Party, defeated this very reasonable motion earlier today. Many other developed countries, with lower vaccination rates than Canada, have either removed restrictions completely, or are in the process of eliminating them. Chief Medical Officers in provinces across Canada are urging the same. The Liberals should follow the science, stop demonizing and fear mongering, and give Canadians a plan to remove the mandates, protect the vulnerable, and get back to normal.

The Liberal government’s decision to invoke the Emergencies Act this afternoon is another serious blow to individual liberties, at a scale which Canadians have not seen since the first Trudeau government in the 1970s. At least four provinces have publicly opposed it today – it is incomprehensible that the federal government is ignoring those provincial governments and appear to be prepared to impose it anyway. Conservatives will assess all aspects and impacts of the Liberals’ announcement, and prepare to debate in Parliament in coming days. Today is more evidence that the Prime Minister never misses an opportunity to inflame or exacerbate tensions for his political purposes.

From day one, I have supported the rights of Canadians to choose whether to be vaccinated or not, and have advocated for reasonable accommodations. From day one, I have supported the right to participate in legal protests, and urged the government to stop name calling and actually listen to people who are speaking out about harm to their livelihoods, businesses, mental health, families, and communities, in favour of freedom, respect, and unity. I will continue to fight for the individual rights and liberties of everyone in Lakeland and of everyone in communities across Canada.