Get vaccinated or get out of caucus, Manitoba premier says as criticism mounts around MLA

Whether or not Tory MLA Ron Schuler is vaccinated against COVID-19 has been a point of contention among opposition parties inManitoba.

On Wednesday, Premier Heather Stefanson tried to solve the problem with anultimatum to all MLAs: either get vaccinated by Dec.15 or be removed from her caucus and cabinet.

"I've been very clear about where we're going with this,I have indicated that tocabinet and caucus," Stefanson said. "It's up to them."

The vaccination mandate will coincide with the day that everyone entering the Manitoba Legislature must be fully inoculated.

ThePC government has faced mounting pressure to impose a vaccination mandate for elected officials, bringing scrutiny to Schuler, the infrastructure minister, and his refusal to say if he's vaccinated.

The Springfield-Ritchot MLAhas argued his personal health information is private.

The Progressive Conservative caucus has said 34 of its 35 sitting MLAs are fully vaccinated,but wouldn't specify the vaccination status of the remaining elected official, or say whether it's been disclosed to the party.

It appears that individual would be Schuler, since the other 34 MLAs have confirmed their vaccination status either publicly or to the Winnipeg Free Press.

A statement from the premier's office, confirming the vaccine mandate, made a point of acknowledging the list of those impacted by the new rules "includes the minister of infrastructure."

The opposition NDP and Liberals sayall of their MLAs are fully vaccinated.

'Right thing to do': Stefanson

Stefansontold reporters thatrequiring every member of her caucus to be fully vaccinated is "the right thing to do."

She said it is an extension of her earlier pledge to ensure the legislature is open only to those who are vaccinated.

"I thinkit's really important that we lead by example, and I certainly have from Day 1.I was the minister responsible for setting up the vaccine implementation task force. I very much believe in vaccines. They are working."

Beginning on Dec. 15, everyone entering thelegislative building ranging from MLAs to government staff and visitors must provide proof they received both vaccine shots.

The premier's spokesperson said the timelinemay be moved up if the "appropriate systems are in place" earlier, in collaboration with the deputy premier, Manitoba Justice and Central Services departments.

It isn't known ifanyTory MLA willface consequences under Stefanson's mandate.

In the period sinceshewas sworn in as premier on Nov. 2, an MLA could have theoretically received both shots of a vaccinewith the second shot coming28 days after the first, which is the minimum the province recommends.

That would also mean they could reach the point where they're considered fully vaccinated two weeks after the second shot by Dec. 15.

While Schuler has kept mum on his vaccination status, he's only participated in question period virtually in the last few months.

The legislative chamber, which is already restricted to two-thirds capacity, is limited to MLAs who've received both doses.

He was not present at October's party convention, nor theAssociation of Manitoba Municipalities convention last month, wherea vaccination requirement was also enforced.

Pallister wanted vaccine mandate in August

The opposition parties decried Stefanson's announcement as coming too late.

"It's not much of an ultimatum coming in December of a year where every Manitoban has been told to get vaccinated," said NDP Leader Wab Kinew.

"At this stage, if you didn't already get the vaccine and you're in the government's cabinet what are you doing?"

Liberal Leader Dougald Lamont said the new premier is months behind former Premier Brian Pallisteron this issue.

In an Aug. 24 letter, which the Liberals shared,Pallisterasked Lamont and Kinewto ensuretheir House leadersagreed on apolicy requiringall MLAs to be vaccinated.

"It wasone of the last things that Pallister did [as premier], was send a letter to me and the NDP to say, 'Make sure all your MLAs get vaccinated'which wasn't a problem because they already were," Lamont said.

Get vaccinated or get out of caucus

3 years ago

Duration 1:34

Whether or not Tory MLA Ron Schuler is vaccinated against COVID-19 has been a point of contention among opposition parties in Manitoba.