TORONTO — A northern Ontario Liberal says he regrets asking the government for accommodations for a personal support worker in his constituency who refused to get vaccinated.
Michael Gravelle, who represents Thunder Bay-Superior North in the legislature, wrote last week to the ministers of health and long-term care and said he hoped some accommodations could be made for "vaccine-refusing workers" like his constituent.
A spokeswoman for Health Minister Christine Elliott sent the email to reporters on Wednesday.
The Liberals said in a statement that Gravelle's comments were wrong and completely out of line with the party's position on vaccinations.
Gravelle says in a statement that he deeply regrets "requesting advice" on the matter and he stands behind his party's call for mandatory vaccinations in those sectors.
He says he hopes his error doesn't undermine Liberal John Fraser's private member's bill to mandate COVID-19 vaccinations for front-line health and education workers.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Oct. 20, 2021.
The Canadian Press
