Louis-Hébert, Quebec (WNews) – Liberal MP Joël Lightbound is speaking out against his own party’s approach to the COVID-19 pandemic and urging the federal government to “stop dividing Canadians” and to provide a clear timeline for lifting vaccine requirements.
He stepped down as Quebec caucus chair for the party later that same day, announcing the decision in a tweet.
“Stop dividing Canadians,” Lightbound said during his Tuesday morning press conference.
“I can’t help but notice with regret that both the tone and the policies of my government changed drastically on the eve and during the last election campaign.”
“Stop dividing Canadians,”
Candice Bergen, interim leader of the Conservative Party, has accused him of spreading “division” by “overtly politicizing vaccines and the pandemic” and “calling Canadians names.”.
Now, Lightbound is slamming the government for causing what he characterized as worsening divisions among Canadians — and he’s calling on the Liberals to make a number of changes.
He said they should provide a “clear and measurable benchmark” for when public health measures will be lifted. The government should communicate its intentions to Canadians more clearly, Lightbound said, because people are becoming increasingly confused about the reasons for these measures.
“It’s a lot easier to comply when you understand,” he said.
The Quebec-area MP said the impact of the measures people differently, taking an apparent swipe at Trudeau, whose primary residence is Rideau Cottage.
“Not everyone can earn a living on a Macbook at a cottage,” Lightbound said.
Trudeau was pressed on Lightbound’s comments as he walked into question period on Tuesday.
“We’re all frustrated. We’re all sick and tired of restrictions, of mandates, of having to make sacrifices, of not being able to do the things we love. It’s been two years, and it’s really, really tiring for all of us,” Trudeau said.
“This government has been focused every step of the way on following the best science, following the best public health advice, to keep as many people as safe as possible. And quite frankly, it’s worked.”
He added that mandates “are the way to avoid further restrictions, or having to be restricted.”
“I fear that this politicization of the pandemic risks undermining the public’s trust in our public health institutions. This is not a risk we ought to be taking lightly.”
The trucker convoy continues to block downtown Ottawa streets, prompting Lightbound’s comments. Protesters have called for a number of changes, including lifting public health mandates and calling on the prime minister to step down.
The Liberal MP, however, distanced himself from the protest happening just outside the doors of his press conference.
“It’s time for truckers to leave and let the local population get their neighbourhood back,” he said.
He suggested that his press conference is symptomatic of a wider squabble within the Liberal party as well. Although he was the only one present at the press conference on Tuesday, he said “there are others within (Liberal) ranks who feel the same way, to varying degrees.”
“I remain hopeful that this call … will be heard,” he said.
Lightbound made it clear that he does not intend to leave the Liberal Party of his own accord in the future.
Liberals have historically been open to dissent and different opinions, he asserted. He added that he has “too much respect” for his constituents’ votes to change parties.
Lightbound acknowledged on Tuesday that the party might ultimately take the decision out of his hands.
“That’s not my decision to make,” he said.
“If I’m here today, it’s because I am ready to accept the consequences if there are any.”
