Tories decry COVID-19 vaccine mandate for MPs but likely out of luck on challenge: expert
Global News
On Tuesday night, the Speaker of the House of Commons said the Board of Internal Economy has decided anyone entering the House of Commons precinct must be fully vaccinated.
The federal Conservatives say “under no circumstances” will the party support virtual parliamentary proceedings when the House of Commons returns this fall, despite a new COVID-19 vaccine mandate set to take effect within weeks for members of Parliament and their staff.
Blake Richards, Conservative MP and the party’s whip, said the vaccine requirement announced on Tuesday is something the party will not agree to, and said the party believes all MPs should be able to enter the House of Commons.
“As we said during the election, workplace health and safety can be assured through vaccination or the demonstration of a recent negative rapid test result,” said Richards, who is one of two Conservative MPs on the powerful Board of Internal Economy that issued the ruling on Tuesday.
“While we encourage everyone who can be vaccinated to get vaccinated, we cannot agree to seven MPs, meeting in secret, deciding which of the 338 MPs, just elected by Canadians, can enter the House of Commons to represent their constituents.”
“Regarding the return of Parliament, Canadians deserve a government that is accountable to its constituents and that’s why under no circumstances will Conservatives support virtual Parliament,” he added.
READ MORE: MPs will need to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 to enter House of Commons next month
The Board of Internal Economy governs the House of Commons and is made up of MPs from all parties with official standing. It meets behind closed doors and makes decisions by majority, with the Liberals holding four seats, the Bloc Quebecois and Tories each with two, and the NDP with one.
The Speaker of the House of Commons serves as chair of the nine-person board, which “makes decisions and provides direction on financial and administrative matters of the House of Commons, specifically concerning its premises, its services, its staff and Members of the House of Commons.”
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