NDP MP Charlie Angus deleted an offensive post politicizing the death of unvaccinated Canadian Sheila Annette Lewis on Sunday after receiving widespread backlash.
Lewis died over the weekend while awaiting an organ transplant that had been denied to her due to the fact that she was not vaccinated against Covid-19.
Her death prompted a series of condolences on social media, including from Conservative candidate Roman Baber and party leader Pierre Poilievre.
“The Canada Health Act forbids discrimination, but Sheila Lewis was denied transplant because of a lawful medical choice. Her death is a tragic failure of medical ethics and the administration of justice. I’ll work to right this wrong until the last day of my career. RIP Sheila,” Baber posted on X (formerly Twitter).
Poilievre responded by agreeing with Baber’s message.
Soon after Poilievre’s post, Angus took issue with the comment claiming that Lewis died because of “disinformation, anti-vaxx bullshit and conspiracy.”
“A woman died because she prefered (Sic.) to fight for disinformation, anti-vaxx bullshit and conspiracy. Pierre Poilievre says she is a hero and supports a candidate so bogus that Doug Ford kicked him out,” wrote Angus in reference to the Ontario Premier’s decision to remove Baber from caucus while he was still an MPP over his opposition to lockdowns.
Angus’ comments drew the ire of many who accused the MP of being disrespectful and politicizing Lewis’ tragic death.
“Now an elected MP – Charlie Angus of the NDP – takes a shot at the recently deceased Sheila Lewis, who he didn’t know from Eve. What a gutless worm. Charlie would have removed Sheila from the transplant list with glee. She was vermin to him. Get these creeps out of office,” wrote X user Don Wilson.
Toronto Sun journalist Joe Warmington also pitched in, calling Angus’ post “heartless.”
“Heartless comment. That’s a human being who should not be mocked,” wrote Warmington.
