Two Tory MPPs facing expulsion from caucus for refusing to get vaccinated
A rejection of the injection will lead to ejection.
The Star has learned that two Progressive Conservative MPPs face expulsion over their decision not to get vaccinated against COVID-19.
Sources, speaking confidentially in order to disclose internal discussions, said Premier Doug Ford has warned MPPs there will be severe consequences" for refusing to get their shots.
The Star has reached out to both members - one a veteran from rural Ontario, the other a first-term MPP from the Greater Toronto Area - seeking comment.
At the virtual Conservative caucus meeting Tuesday, the veteran spoke eloquently about their personal health concerns.
The MPP discussed their situation and their own conversations with family and health-care providers.
But I'm not sure anyone was convinced," a high-ranking Tory confided.
It was made clear to us by the premier's office that anyone who refuses would be joining Roman," said an MPP.
That's a reference to MPP Roman Baber (York Centre), who was defenestrated from the PC caucus in February for writing an open letter to Ford questioning the wisdom of pandemic lockdowns and their impact on mental health.
On Twitter on Wednesday, Baber blasted the premier for taking such a hard line.
Doug's a weak tyrant. Have courage and stand firm my dear MPP friends, for yourselves and many Ontarians," said the Independent member, who himself has been fully vaccinated.
We're in favour of voluntary vaccination but respect autonomy. You were elected by and serve constituents, not @fordnation or @OntarioPCParty. Be brave."
Ivana Yelich, Ford's executive director of media relations, explained the rationale behind the MPPs' vaccine mandate.
Due to the nature of their work, which involves daily interaction with members of the public - including the most vulnerable - it is our expectation that every single PC caucus member and candidate be vaccinated," Yelich said Wednesday.
Another senior official said Tory MPPs should set an example" for others.
If we are expecting teachers and nurses and doctors and other public servants to get vaccinated, we should have at least as high a standard for caucus members," the official said.
On Tuesday, Dr. Kieran Moore, the chief medical officer of health, issued vaccine mandates for hospital and education workers.
I made the call to the premier and said we need directives in place immediately to best protect us in the fall," Moore said.
There was no disagreement. There was very good, unanimous support from cabinet."
In the 124-member Legislature, there are 71 Tory MPPs. With 69 of them having at least one shot, that's 97.2 per cent. All New Democrats, Liberals, and Green MPPs have had their shots.
Overall in Ontario, 82.3 per cent of eligible people 12 and up have had at least one shot and 74.3 per cent are fully vaccinated.
The issue of MPPs' vaccinations erupted after an investigation by QP Briefing, a political newsletter owned by the Star, did a survey of members on their status.
Robert Benzie is the Star's Queen's Park bureau chief and a reporter covering Ontario politics. Follow him on Twitter: @robertbenzie