Liberal MP Joel Lightbound voted in support of a Conservative motion on Monday calling on the Trudeau government to table a plan to end COVID-19 restrictions and mandates.
The motion was defeated 185-151 after the ruling Liberals teamed up with the NDP to quash it.
Lightbound was the only Liberal to support the motion.
The text of the motion read, “(t)hat, given that provinces are lifting COVID-19 restrictions and that Dr. Theresa Tam has said that all existing public health measures need to be ‘re-evaluated’ so that we can ‘get back to some normalcy,’ the House calls on the government to table a plan for the lifting of all federal mandates and restrictions, and to table that plan by February 28, 2022.”
Lightbound’s decision to vote for the Conservative motion reaffirms his call for a roadmap to lifting restrictions.
The Quebec MP broke ranks with his caucus earlier this month and publicly came out against the “division” promoted by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.
“I can’t help but notice with regret that both the tone and policies of my government changed drastically on the eve and during the last election campaign,” he said.
“Some seem to forget that isolation is felt differently. Not everyone can still earn money using their MacBook while at the cottage. Some are suffering in silence and feel like they’re not heard.”
Lightbound was echoed by Liberal MP Yves Robillard the following day, who said he agreed with his fellow MP’s position. However, Robillard did not join Lightbound in voting for the motion.
Prior to the vote, Conservative interim leader Candice Bergen released a statement.
“For two years, Canadians have been living with COVID-19 restrictions. Two years of lockdowns. Of not being able to visit loved ones. Of not being able to travel. Two years of isolation that has inflamed Canada’s mental health crisis, and hurt Canada’s vulnerable populations.”
“Canadians just want their lives back. Conservatives are calling on the Trudeau government to follow the evidence; follow the science, and table a plan to quickly end all federal mandates and restrictions. Canadians deserve a plan — it’s time the Prime Minister gave them one.”
In response to a nation-wide wave of protests and border blockades opposing ongoing COVID-19 measures, Trudeau announced over the weekend that he would invoke the Emergencies Act to quash the demonstrations.
Trudeau made good on that announcement Monday morning.
