5 Sask. Conservative MPs confirm they're fully vaccinated against COVID-19

REGINA -

Five of Saskatchewan’s 14 MPs say they’re fully vaccinated against COVID-19 ahead of Parliament’s return, when anyone entering the House of Commons precinct will need a double dose.

CTV News reached out to each of the province’s 14 representatives in Ottawa – who all belong to the Conservative party – and received a response from five ahead of the stated deadline.

Staffers from the offices of Randy Hoback (Prince Albert), Michael Kram (Regina—Wascana), Brad Redekopp (Saskatoon West), Warren Steinley (Regina—Lewvan) and Gary Vidal (Desnethé—Missinippi—Churchill River) confirmed the MPs have received both doses of the COVID-19 jab.

On Tuesday, the Board of Internal Economy declared every person who wants to enter the House of Commons precinct – including MPs, staffers, journalists, researchers, contractors and consultants – will need to be fully vaccinated by the day Parliament returns on Nov. 22.

The federal Conservatives are the only caucus that has refused to say if all MPs are fully vaccinated. The Liberals, New Democrats, and Bloc Quebecois have said that all their MPs have both doses.

The Conservative party has opposed the mandatory vaccination requirement imposed at the House of Commons, saying they don’t believe it should be up to a committee of MPs to decide who can and cannot enter spaces on Parliament Hill.

Limited medical exemptions to the new policy will be provided, however those with an exemption will be required to provide proof of a recent negative rapid COVID-19 test.

SASKATCHEWAN LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY

Next Wednesday, Saskatchewan MLAs will return to the Legislative Assembly for the sitting of the second session this year.

The public health order that came into effect on Oct. 1 means anyone seeking access to the Legislative Building, including MLAs, is required to show proof of vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test taken within 72 hours prior to seeking access to the building.

“The caucus chair has validated the vaccination status of all government MLAs,” a spokesperson with the Government of Saskatchewan said in an email to CTV News. David Buckingham is the caucus chair.

In September, MLA Nadine Wilson resigned from the Sask. Party caucus after "misrepresenting" her vaccination status.

Members are required to attend session in-person as virtual proceedings will not be held. The government said if members can’t attend for medical reasons, they are able to have the Whip cast a proxy vote on their behalf. 

With files from CTVNews.ca’s Rachel Aiello