Sinthia Hoque:- David sweet, an MP representing Flamborough-Glanbrook in the Hamilton area, recently came out and made public comments regarding his view on the lockdown.
These comments were made alongside the now Independent York Centre MPP Roman Baber, who was previously kicked out of Premier Doug Ford’s Progress Conservative caucus for calling the lockdown, “deadlier than COVID-19”.
“Lockdowns by their nature are a threat to mental health”, said David Sweet, becoming the first Conservative politician to publicly voice their opposition to the province’s lockdown.
“The animal kingdom is hunting, eating, bathing and search for shelter. That’s not so with us human beings where a large part of what makes us human our birthdays, christenings, funerals, anniversaries, graduations, bar mitzvah’s, church, synagogue, mosque services, going out for dinner on Valentine’s Day, and fast approaching Easter and Passover”.
Adding to that statement, Sweet also said the lockdown has crushed the province’s economy, forced restaurants to shut down and resulted in $135 million debt in small businesses.
Though his views on the lockdown are not the same as that of his political party, he felt that it was his responsibility to “speak up and say enough is enough”.
Independent York Centre MPP, Roman Baber thanked Sweet for showing such courage and coming out to speak against the lockdowns in Ontario. Adding to the statement he said that there are many conservative politicians who secretly oppose to the restrictive measures put in place.
“People all over the Province, are hurting, and they’re reaching out to their elected representatives”, Baber said. “Together, we’re calling on Premier Doug Ford to move the entire province into the green zone”.
“All measures such as distancing will remain in place, but there is no underestimating the psychological benefit this will make for all Ontarian’s”.
Conservative Party of Canada (CPC), Leader Erin O’Toole also spoke about her views, she stated that while she understands that a year into lockdown can be frustrating for people, but “it should not lead to counterproductive behaviour”.
“My view and the view of the CPC is that we respect the work being done by our premier and health officials throughout this crisis. They are trying to put the health of Canadians first”.
Further continuing on the statement, O’Toole said, “We all want the crisis to pass as quickly as possible and are frustrated by the slow pace of vaccine deployment in Canada. Our focus will remain on that and the need to plan for an economic recovery in all sectors and all parts of this country”.
News source: CTV News