Cambridge MPP calls new rule at Queen's Park mandating proof of COVID-19 vaccination 'disgraceful'
CBC
Cambridge MPP Belinda Karahalios calls a new rule that anyone entering Queen's Park as of Monday must show proof of COVID-19 vaccination or a negative test result "disgraceful" and "undemocratic."
In an open letter on her Facebook page, Karahalios said she questioned whether the rule is legal.
Karahalios is a former Progressive Conservative MPP who was removed from caucus after voting against the party in July 2020. She has since formed the New Blue Party with her husband, Jim Karahalios.
Her statement says the move "eliminates criticism of the ruling PC party by blocking elected representatives from the legislature."
Karahalios has also been a vocal critic of mandatory vaccinations or asking people to disclose proof of vaccination for any situation.
In a letter dated Sept. 24, Speaker Ted Arnott wrote to three MPPs who had previously written to him about needing strict rules on proof of vaccination, one of which was Green Party of Ontario Leader and Guelph MPP Mike Schreiner.
In the letter, Arnott, who is also the MPP for Wellington-Halton Hills, said it's believed that about 98 per cent of MPPs are fully vaccinated or cannot be for medical reasons.