An Ontario Conservative MP who conveyed misinformation about COVID-19 in a recent television interview has apologized three times rather than once for her “inappropriate comments.”
“I would like to apologize for my inappropriate comments on COVID-19 vaccines during a recent interview with CTV. […] I apologize wholeheartedly to Canadians. I also apologize to my caucus colleagues and the leader for the distraction my comments have created, ”said Marilyn Gladu in a written statement sent Tuesday morning.
Interviewed on the show QuestionPeriodOn Sunday, Gladu suggested that the coronavirus was less terrible than polio, which killed and crippled tens of thousands of Canadians until a vaccine was administered in the 1950s. She had been contradicted by the host, who pointed out that COVID-19 had killed nearly 30,000 Canadians since March 2020.
On Monday, Conservative Leader Erin O’Toole rebuked his MP, saying his comments had caused “confusion” among the population and had contributed to increasing vaccine hesitancy among Canadians. He did not say what fate would await Ms. Gladu, repeating that he would raise the subject with his caucus, in private.
“Upon reflection, I recognize how dangerous it is to share misinformation about the severity of COVID-19 and the safety and effectiveness of vaccines. I withdraw these comments in their entirety, ”said MP Gladu the day after her leader’s intervention.
“Vaccines are a safe and effective way to limit the spread of COVID-19 and prevent serious illness. I encourage all Canadians who are able to get vaccinated. When it comes to the safety and effectiveness of vaccines, it should be doctors and public health experts who advise Canadians, not politicians, ”she added.
Ms. Gladu is part of a “civil liberties caucus” made up of 15 to 30 Conservative MPs and senators who want to defend the rights of the unvaccinated against COVID-19.