In a move designed to push mandatory vaccination to the front of the election debate, Liberal Leader Justin Trudeau said today that a re-elected Liberal government would introduce protections for businesses targeted by anti-vaxxers and anti-lockdown activists.
There have been examples in Canada of businesses or individuals who are choosing to display anger and contempt, and look for measures to punish, or to go after in the court, businesses that put forward vaccine certificates or mask mandates,Trudeau said Monday in Welland, Ont.
We’ve simply said that we will be there to have those businesses’ backs as they do the right thing.
Trudeau also drew attention to his platform promise to establish a $1 billion COVID-19 Proof of Vaccination Fund to cover the cost of implementing proof-of-vaccine credentials for non-essential businesses and public spaces at the provincial level.
Trudeau did not provide details of how protections for business would evolve, but he said the Justice Department is looking at ways to protect businesses from being sued for implementing strict public health measures.
Trudeau was asked why he decided to hold a press event in a medical setting. He responded that all measures were taken to protect health care workers and patients but that he needed to go there to show support for health care workers who have come under attack by activists against vaccines and public health measures taken to fight the pandemic.
The Liberal leader also defended his decision to call an election, saying the choice is now clear: between someone who will stand up for public health and a leader who cannot because he is beholden to parts of his base.
The far right, anti-vaxx fringe wing won’t let him. What Erin O’Toole is doing is not leadership, it’s pandering to special interests,he said.
Peter Zimonjic , David Cochrane · CBC News
