Conservative MP David Sweet joins MPP Roman Baber’s anti-lockdown crusade
Outgoing Conservative MP David Sweet has joined independent MPP Roman Baber's anti-lockdown crusade.
At a press conference at Queen's Park Wednesday, Sweet and Baber called for all regions in Ontario to move to the green" zone - drastically easing restrictions despite fears of a third and even deadlier wave of COVID-19 facing the province.
It is becoming increasingly evident that we are not able to contain the virus by a strategy of severe lockdowns, yet the physical, psychological and sociological consequences to the young and old are crippling in nature," Sweet said.
But in a statement, Conservative Leader Erin O'Toole said Sweet's position does not represent the official party line - that they respect the decisions of provincial premiers to best address the crisis.
The number of new COVID-19 cases has trended downward after Premier Doug Ford imposed a new stay-at-home order after Boxing Day. But the gradual reopening of regions in the province, in addition to the presence of new, more contagious variants of coronavirus has led to concerns that a third wave is coming.
On Wednesday, Peel Region's medical officer of health, Dr. Lawrence Loh, recommended the hard-hit region move into a grey zone" lockdown for two weeks - despite calls from Brampton Mayor Patrick Brown and Mississauga Mayor Bonnie Crombie to move the region to the less-restrictive red zone."
Ford is also under pressure by business groups like the Canadian Federation of Independent Business to ease restrictions after 100 days of lockdown in Toronto and Peel.
Ford turfed Baber from the Ontario PC caucus for his public opposition to provincial lockdown orders. But Sweet, who has already landed in hot water with O'Toole after vacationing in the U.S. over the holidays, does not appear to be facing similar consequences.
The longtime Flamborough-Glandbrook MP was stripped of his role as chair of the House of Commons' ethics committee after the Star revealed the details of his recent U.S. trip.
According to O'Toole's office, Sweet had told party leadership that he was travelling to handle a property issue. They later found out he stayed in the U.S. for leisure" after that property matter was resolved.
Sweet, who was still in the U.S. at the time, announced the same day that he would not run in the upcoming federal election.
O'Toole issued a statement Wednesday that did not mention Sweet by name, but signalled support for provincial premiers making their own public health decisions.
After a year of the pandemic, people are frustrated and tired. Frustration is understandable but it should not lead to counterproductive behaviour," the statement read.
My view and the view of the CPC is that we respect the work being done by our premiers and health officials throughout this crisis. They are trying to put the health of Canadians first."
Alex Boutilier is an Ottawa-based reporter covering federal politics for the Star. Follow him on Twitter: @alexboutilier
Robert Benzie is the Star's Queen's Park bureau chief and a reporter covering Ontario politics. Follow him on Twitter: @robertbenzie