After a recent decision by a small committee of MPs, the federal Conservative party has come out in opposition against the new COVID-19 vaccination policy announced by the House of Commons.
On Tuesday, October 19, 2021, it was announced by the Board of Internal Economy, a committee made up of nine cross-party MPs in House leadership roles, that anyone entering the House of Common as of November 22, 2021, when the 44th Parliament commences, must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19.
A decision that has been criticized by the federal Conservative Party - the only caucus yet to confirm how many of its MPs remain unvaccinated.
Kenora MP Eric Melillo has confirmed that he is vaccinated and when asked what his opinion was regarding the newly announced policy, Melillo said “I hope that every MP will be fully vaccinated by the time Parliament resumes, every MP should be, and our caucus will absolutely respect the mandate that was put in place.”
Melillo was asked why his party has concerns regarding the new policy “Some of the concerns were raised with the process of how this mandate has been developed.”
“We believe each selected member should have the right to debate and vote on the rules that govern Parliament. Instead, what we have here is a small group of Members meeting behind closed doors that are deciding whether or not elected representatives can take their seats,” continued Melillo.
“We believe that process was flawed, but we will respect the decision that was made,” concluded Melillo.
The details of how this new policy will be enforced have yet to be articulated.