5 Sask. Conservative MPs confirm they're fully vaccinated against COVID-19
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
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
NDP motion regarding Palestinian statehood passes after major Liberal alterations
A motion from the federal New Democrats initially calling on Canada to recognize the 'State of Palestine' passed amid widespread acrimony on Monday, after the Liberals drastically altered its wording to see the government simply work towards that aim as part of a two-state solution.
'He didn't want to die': Family of Calgary man killed in standoff speaks out
Family of a Calgary man killed after a 30-hour standoff with police last week are speaking out, sharing details of the tense and heart-wrenching experience.
Toronto family doctor who called patient's body 'perfect' suspended for 3 months: tribunal
A family doctor in Toronto has been suspended for three months after a disciplinary tribunal found that he failed to follow proper protocols while examining a patient's breasts and made inappropriate comments about her body.
Ohio mom who left toddler alone 10 days when she went on vacation pleads guilty to aggravated murder
An Ohio mother whose 16-month-old daughter died after being left home alone in a playpen for 10 days last summer while she went on vacation was sentenced Monday to life in prison with no chance of parole.
Retired teacher pleads guilty to paying for sex with 15-year-old in Collingwood, Ont.
In a Barrie courtroom on Monday, a retired high school teacher from the Niagara Region pleaded guilty to sexual touching and obtaining sexual services from a 15-year-old boy in Collingwood in 2021.
Hertz CEO out following electric car 'horror show'
The company, which announced in January it was selling 20,000 of the electric vehicles in its fleet, or about a third of the EVs it owned, is now replacing the CEO who helped build up that fleet, giving it the company’s fifth boss in just four years.
5 charged in Calgary kidnappings that targeted women
Calgary police have charged five men in a pair of kidnappings last year that targeted innocent victims.
Demand soars for solar eclipse glasses in Canada. Are they worth buying?
The demand for total solar eclipse glasses used to safely view the rare celestial event has been ramping up as sellers, along with astronomy and eye-care experts in Canada, warn that viewing the eclipse with the naked eye is dangerous.
Canadian commander of volunteer fighter group dies in Ukraine
A Canadian-born commander of the so-called Norman Brigade, a volunteer fighting group in Ukraine, has died.